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THE V TEMPLE
vBIBLE >•
The Frontispiece is from a photograph by Alinari of Professor
Antonio Ciseri's great painting in the Church of Santa
Felicitay Florence, representing ' The Slaughter of the Seven
Martyr Children and their Mother ' at Jerusalem, by order of
Antiochus, for refusing to defile themsel-ves by eating sivine's
fiesh.
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-S^HJL-XDGLPH
66COND BOOKS
MACCABEE5)
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•PHIL'ADeLPHIA ::? BI-IPPINCOTT C9»
* Slowly the Bible of the race is writ,
And not on paper leaves nor leaves of stone ;
Each age, each kindred adds a verse to it,
Texts of despair or hope, of joy or moan.
While swings the sea, while mists the mountain shroud,
While thunder's surges burst on cliffs of cloud,
Still at the prophets' feet the nations sit.'
J. R. LOWFLL.
' The Story of the Maccabees is inspiring enough to be
inspired.' Coliridge.
Introduction
I.— THE MACCAB.EAN MOVEMENT
The Name Maccabee. Originally the surname of Judas,
third son of Mattathias (l Mace. ii. 4, 66), the term Maccabee
(Greek, Makkabaios) was afterwards applied to his kinsmen
generally, and even to all who resisted the tyranny of the Syrian
kings. It was particularly associated with the seven brethren,
the story of whose cruel martyrdom under Antiochus Epiphanes
is told in 2 Mace. vi. , vii. , and whose mother is accordingly
designated by early Christian writers ' the mother of the Mac-
cabees.' Ultimately, as used, ^.^.,in the titles of the Third and
Fourth Books of Maccabees, the name came to have merely an
ideal significance. In modem usage it denotes only the sons
and descendants of Mattathias. As, however, the great-grand-
father of this heroic priest was called Hasmon (Greek, Asa-
monaios), the family is more properly, and in Jewish literature
more frequently, designated by the name of Hasmonaeans than
by that of Maccabees.
Founding on the Latin Mcuhabceiis, which, however, Jerome
probably adopted as the spelling current in his day, some would
derive the word from the Hebrew wa-('^(5? = ' extinguisher' (of
strife, cp. Isa. xliii. 17). But if Maccabee (maqqclbt) is the
original form of the name, the most probable derivation is from
the Aramaean fnagqdbd=^\ia.xamtr.' On this theory the sur-
name ' hammerer ' was applied to Judas either as a distinctive title
Introduction. ^ The Books
pure and simple, or symbolically, as in the inscription on his
tomb in Westminster Abbey Edward I. is called ' Scotorum
malleus.^
What led to the Maccabaean Revolt. The reign of
Antiochus IV., Epiphanes, King of Syria (B.C. 175-164), marks
a critical period in Jewish history. By this time the spell of
Hellenism had fallen even upon Judoea ; the upper classes
especially were bound by it. Aided by this apostate party,
Epiphanes endeavoured to force the adoption of Greek manners
and customs, and to destroy Judaism root and branch. It was
this ill-advised attempt that caused the Maccabaean revolt.
Even before Antiochus interfered, the Hellenisers were active
in Judtea. They were opposed by the Hasidaeans (Hebrew,
Hastdim = ihe 'pious'), who organised themselves in defence of
the Law. The Hellenistic faction was led by Joshua, brother of
tlie worthy high priest Onias III. This man Grecised his name
into Jason, and bargained with Antiochus to have the high-priest-
hood conferred upon himself, and to be allowed to build a
gymnasium hard by the Temple. After holding office for three
years (174-171), he was supplanted by Menelaus, a Benjamite,
who renounced Judaism altogether, and obtained reinforcements
of Syrian soldiers to suppress the refractory Jason. The latter,
encouraged by a false rumour that Antiochus had died in Egypt,
marched upon Jerusalem, and forced his rival to retire into the
fortress.
The Syrian despot interpreted these events as a Jewish re-
bellion, and on his arrival at Jerusalem in 170 followed up the
flight of Jason by robbing and desecrating the Temple, and by
slaughtering many of the inhabitants. Two years later he seni
of Maccabees ^ introduction.
his general Appollonius to lay waste the defenceless city, and
from this date a Syrian garrison occupied the citadel (Acta)
overlooking the Temple. The distinctive rites of Judaism were
prohibited under pain of death. Every copy of the Law that
could be found was burned. The Temple was dedicated to
Zeus, and an idol altar (' the abomination of desolation,'
Dan. ix. 27) was erected over the altar of Jehovah.
But Antiochus had overreached himself. Even Hellenising
Jews cast in their lot with those who were resolved to die rather
than abandon their religion, and in these circumstances coercion
was vain. The impending crisis was precipitated by an imperial
order that heathen sacrifices should be offered in every township
of Palestine. Commissioners were appointed to see that all the
citizens conformed. The die was cast at Modin, between Joppa
and Jerusalem. Mattathias, an aged priest whom the persecution
had driven from the capital, was ordered to offer the first
heathen sacrifice, and when on his refusal another Jew was
about to comply, Mattathias slew both the renegade and the
king's officer, and tore down the altar. With his five sons —
John, Simon, Judas, Eleazar and Jonathan— he then fled into
the mountains, and raised the standard of revolt. A thousand
Sabbatarians tamely let themselves be butchered in the wilder-
ness, but Mattathias decided to meet force with force even upon
the Sabbath. The Hasidseans and many others having rallied
round him, he began an open campaign against heathenism.
Jewish rites were revived, pagan altars demolished, and
apostates slain. Mattathias died in B.C. 166, after charging his
sons to lay down their lives for the Law and Covenant of their
fathers. The leadership of the movement he bequeathed to
Judas Maccabseus.
Introduction. "^ The Books
Wars of the Maccabees — (i) The Battles of Judas
(166-161). In Judas the Maccabsean movement had an ideal
leader. His fame was at once established by his defeat of the
Syrian generals, ApoUonius and Seron. In vain did Antiochus
commission his kinsman Lysias to use half of the imperial army
for the extirpation of the Jews. Gorgias, who commanded in
Philistia, was reinforced by large contingents of troops under
experienced generals, but Judas worsted them all. The year
following (165-164) he routed Lysias himself at Bethzur, and
forced him to withdraw to Antioch.
Meanwhile opportunity was taken to restore the Temple wor-
ship. On the 25th Chislev (December) 165, the third anniversary
of its first defilement, the Temple was reconsecrated by the
offering of the legal sacrifices. For eight days the Feast of the
Dedication (John x. 22) of the new altar was joyfully celebrated.
Thereafter Judas fortified the Temple mount and the frontier
town of Bethzur. These events closed the first stage in the
history of the Maccabsean Wars. It is a record of unbroken
victory.
The success of the Maccabees was galling to their heathen
neighbours, including Edom and Ammon, and they had now to
give them battle, as well as march to the relief of Jews shut up
in the fortresses of Galilee and Gilead. Both campaigns were
successful. Meanwhile Joseph and Azariah, 'captains of the
garrison,' foolishly attacked Gorgias, and lost 2000 men. This
disaster was so far retrieved, however, by fresh victories of Judas
over the Philistines.
In B.C. 164 Antiochus died in the Far East. He had ap-
pointed Philip, one "of his ' Friends,' guardian to the minor
Antiochus V, ; but Lysias set up the latter as king with the
of Maccabees 5^ Introdoction.
surname of Eupator. The j'ear after, Judas laid siege to the
Acra, and the Syrian garrison had to seek help from Anlioch.
With a huge army Lysias and his ward besieged Bethzur. Judas
advanced to meet them, but at Bethzacharias his troops were
beaten, and his brother Eleazar perished. After reducing
Bethzur, the Syrians had almost captured Mount Sion also, when
suddenly, in order to checkmate Philip, who had seized Antioch,
Lysias gave to the Jews by treaty the religious freedom for
which they had so strenuously fought. This concession marks
the second stage in the history of the Maccabsean rising.
Hitherto it had been a movement in defence of the Jewish
religion ; henceforth it became a war of independence.
In B.C. 162 Demetrius I., the real heir to the Syrian throne,
who had been kept as a hostage at Rome, put Lysias and
Eupator to death. The Greek party in Jud?ea induced the new
sovereign to send an army under Bacchides to install the un-
godly Alcimus as high priest. Content to have an Aaronic
priest, the Hasidjeans acquiesced in the Syrian supremacy, but
sixty of them, were perfidiously slain in one day. With the
departure of Bacchides, Judas soon made things impossible for
Alcimus. Demetrius accordingly sent a fresh army under
Nicanor, who was repulsed first at Capharsalama, and then at
Adasa, where he fell.
At this juncture Judas formed a treaty with Rome, but it
resulted only in a belated warning to Demetrius, who had
meanwhile dispatched another army to Judaea under Bacchides.
Judas lay at Elasa with only 3000 men, of whom all but 800
deserted him rather than face the unequal conflict. He and his
little band having been overborne by sheer weight of numbers,
his body was secured by his brothers and buried in the family
Introduction. ^ The Books
grave at Modin {i6i). If the task in which Judas was engaged
was in the nature of things impracticable, he had at least dis-
played a patriotism, a generalship and a heroism of which his
race may be justly proud.
(2.) Leadership of Jonathan, the High Priest (161-143).
Having been chosen successor to Judas, Jonathan at first deemed
it prudent to evade Bacchides, and withdrew to the wilderness
of Tekoah. On his return, however, from a punitive expedition
against a robber clan at Medaba for the loss of his eldest brother
John, he narrowly escaped falling into the hands of the Syrians.
Alcimus died in B.C. 160, and Bacchides left Palestine. In two
years the Maccabees became so strong that the Greek party had
again to invoke his aid. After a brief campaign, in which the
Syrians suffered most, their general accepted Jonathan's pro-
posals for peace. For four years thereafter the latter dwelt at
Michmash, 'judging' the people and repressing the Hellen-
isers.
From B.C. 153, when Alexander Balas and Demetrius I. were
rival claimants for the Syrian crown, Jonathan astutely availed
himself of the political situation to advance his own interests.
In consideration of his support Balas appointed him high priest,
besides conferring on him other honours. When afterwards in
a battle between the rivals Demetrius fell, the victorious Balas
did not forget his faithful ally. At Ptolemais, where in B.C. 150
he married the Egyptian Cleopatra, Balas received him with
great favour, and * made him a captain and governor of a pro-
vince.' When, three years later, Demetrius II. appeared as the
avenger of his father, his adherent, Apollonius, governor of Cocle-
Syria, was defeated by Jonathan, whom Balas again rewarded.
of Maccabees 5e» Introduction.
The latter, however, lost the support of his father-in-law,
Ptolemy Philometor, and having been routed in battle fled to
Arabia, where he was assassinated. Thus in B.C. 145 Demetrius
II. became king.
Although he now laid siege to the Acra, Jonathan's diplomacy
secured for him the favour of Demetrius II. With the help of
the Jewish high priest, who obtained a promise that the Syrian
garrisons would be removed from Judjea, Demetrius succeeded
in quelling an insurrection led by Tryphon, a former general of
Balas ; but as this promise was not kept, Jonathan went over
to the side of Tryphon. After subduing the region between
Jerusalem and Damascus, he defeated the generals of Demetrius
on the plain of Hazor. But as in concert with his brother Simon
he steadily strengthened the position of Judssa while ostensibly
furthering the interests of Syria, Tryphon's distrust was aroused.
Cunning as he was, Jonathan let himself be artfully decoyed into
Ptolemais, where he was taken prisoner and had his escort slain.
Thus ended the active career of Jonathan. Although not pos-
sessing Judas's nobility of character, he had shrewdly secured for
his party the upper hand in Judaea.
(3. ) Administration of Simon, High Priest and Ethnarch
(143-135;. At this crisis Simon, last surviving son of Mattathias,
naturally took the reins. Immediately he fortified Jerusalem and
garrisoned Joppa. Tryphon soon entered Jud?ea with Jonathan
as his prisoner, but was intercepted by Simon at Adida. After
some false dealing in regard to Jonathan's release, Tryphon
tried hard to reach Jerusalem, but was effectually checkmated
by Simon. He then advanced into Gilead, and at Bascama
revenged himself by slaying his prisoner. Simon recovered the
Introduction. ^ The Books
body of Jonathan and buried it at Modin, where he erected a
magnificent family monument.
At this stage Tryphon slew his ward and usurped the Syrian
crown. As Demetrius II. was also at variance with the Par-
thians, Simon demanded and obtained from him by treaty
absolute immunity from tribute. Thus was ' the yoke of the
heathen taken away,' and Jewish political independence at last
attained. Simon now captured in succession the fortresses of
Gazara and Jerusalem, and entered the latter in triumph on the
23rd lyar (May) B.C. 142.
The next year Simon was formally appointed commander,
high priest and ethnarch, and as these offices were made heredi-
tary in his family, he became the founder of the Hasmonaean
dynasty. The first year of his reign was signalised as the com-
mencement of a new era, and the independence of his rule was
further attested by the issue of a Jewish coinage and by the
renewal of the alliance with Rome and Sparta. In the adminis-
tration of the internal affairs of Judzea Simon showed rare skill
and wisdom. Under his benign sway the country enjoyed a
period of moral and material prosperity unparalleled in its post-
Exilic history.
In B.C. 139 Antiochus VII., Sidetes, defeated Tryphon at
Dora, and reversed his former friendly attitude towards the Jews.
The Syrian troops, however, under Cendeb?eus, were routed
near Modin by Judas and John, two of Simon's sons, and for
three years thereafter nothing disturbed the peaceful develop-
ment of his kingdom. But in B.C. 135 he was treacherously
slain by Ptolemy, his son-in-law, who coveted the supreme power.
He was succeeded, however, by his son, John Hyrcanus, who
contrived to elude the assassin.
of Maccabees 5^ latroduction.
For more than a generation the sons of Mattathias had nobly
upheld the flag of religious liberty. One by one they died for
their faith and their country. Their valour rekindled the
national spirit of Israel, and inspired the Jews with a new sense
of the worth of their religion.
II.— THE FIRST BOOK OF MACCABEES
I Mace, is our principal authority for the history of the period
B.C. 175-135, i.e., of the forty years from the accession of
Antiochus IV., Epiphanes, to the death of Simon,
Contents and Style. The book begins with a short refer-
ence to the history of the Greek supremacy in Palestine from
the time of Alexander the Great and the partition of his empire
among his successors (i. 1-9). After this the writer narrates
the circumstances attending the rise of the Maccabsean revolt,
describing in detail the attempt of Epiphanes, in concert with
the Greek party in Judaea, forcibly to substitute paganism for the
Jewish religion (i. 10-64). Then follows in chap. ii. an account
of the dramatic episode enacted at Modin, and of the first
collision with the Syrians. While the Maccaboean movement
was yet in its infancy Mattathias died (ii. 66), and the rest of
the book deals with the brilliant, heroic and successful struggle
carried on by his sons, first for religious freedom (vi. 60), and
afterwards for civil independence (xiii. 41). The narrative traces
minutely the course of events under the successive leadership of
the three brothers, Judas (iii. l-ix. 22), Jonathan (ix. 23-xii.
53), and Simon (xiii. i-xvi. 18), tells how Simon's son, John
Hyrcanus, circumvented the plot by which his father and his
Introduction. '^^ The Books
two brothers were cut off (xvi. 19-22), and concludes with a
buoyant allusion to the annals of his high priesthood (xvi. 23 f.).
The main interest of the book centres round the personality and
valorous deeds of its hero, Judas Maccabseus, and the section
which treats of his leadership is naturally characterised by excep-
tional fulness of detail.
Style. The style is that of simple prose narrative, and closely
resembles that of the Old Testament historical books, of which
indeed it contains many obvious reminiscences. Singularly free
from literary devices and rhetorical embellishments, it commends
itself as a plain statement of facts. The writer's one object is to
give a faithful picture of the actual historical developments of
the period in the order in which they occurred. While in full
sympathy with the movement of which he is the chronicler, he
rarely introduces an opinion of his own. The facts are allowed
to speak for themselves. Occasionally, however, the language
is charged with passion (i. 25 ff. , ix. 10, etc.), and even rises into
poetry (ii. 7-13, iii. 3-9, etc.).
Original Language and Unity. There is both external and
internal evidence to show that I Mace, was originally written in
Hebrew. Origen (t254) mentions its Semitic title, and Jerome
(f42o) says expressly : ' The First Book of Maccabees I found in
Hebrew ; the Second is Greek, as can be proved from its very
style.' The work carries in itself the confirmation of this
testimony. In spite of its many affinities with the Septuagint,
the general structure of the sentences and the Hebraistic char-
acter of the Greek stamp it as a translation. As examples of
the retention of Hebrew idioms it may suffice to adduce the
of Maccabees ^ Introduction.
following : — ' After two full years,' lit. , years of days (i. 29) ;
'neither suffered they the sinner to triumph,' lit., gave they a
horn to the sinner (ii. 48) ; 'came not any more,' lit., added not
to come any more (ix. 72). Several obscurities in the Greek
text are best explained on the supposition that they are mis-
translations from the Hebrew (i. 28, ii. 8, xiv. 5, 28). More-
over, no other Greek work seems to have been issued in Palestine
at this period. The only really disputable point in this con-
nection is whether the original language was classical Hebrew
or Palestinian Aramaic, and such peculiarities of the diction as
have survived the process of translation decidedly favour the
former alternative. Although no longer the vernacular of
Palestine, classical Hebrew was still the recognised medium of
literary expression.
The general uniformity of the style, the absence throughout
of the Divine name, and the precise chronology of the work as a
whole, have usually been regarded as sufficient evidence that it is
not of composite authorship. Some scholars, however, maintain
that the closing section (chaps, xiv.-xvi.) is a later addition
unknown to Josephus. The extreme brevity of the account of
Simon's reign fits this theory, but can scarcely be regarded as
decisive. It has also been held that these closing chapters form
the principal section of the book, and that what precedes is
merely of the nature of introduction, but there is no good ground
for this view.
Date and Authorship. If xiv. 15 marks the original close
of the book, it may have been composed during the reign of John
Hyrcanus (b.c. 135-105). But the reference to the chronicles of
his high-priesthood in xvi. 23 seems to imply that Hyrcanus was
Introduction. ^ The Books
no longer alive, in which case the date of composition must have
been subsequent to B.C. 105. What is said (xiii. 30) about the
family tomb erected at Modin in B.C. 143, and the poetic de-
scription of Simon's age in xiv. 4ff., also convey the impression
that the writer is alluding to the distant past. On the other
hand, it is clear from the author's friendly tone in speaking of
the Romans (chap. viii. ) that the book must have been written
before the conquest of Jerusalem by Pompey in B.C. 63. It was
therefore composed during the period B.C. 105-64. The date
cannot be more definitely determined, but as the reference to
the annals of Hyrcanus suggests that some time had elapsed
since his death the probability is that our author wrote during
the first decade of the last century B.C.
Although the personality of the author is unknown, his whole
language and spirit, as well as his intimate knowledge of
Palestine, proclaim him a devout Jew of that country. His
toleration of the attitude of the Maccabees towards Sabbath ob-
servance, and his enthusiastic description of their successes (ii. 41,
ix. 43) indicate perhaps that he was a Sadducee. The transla-
tion also comes from an unknown hand. Although Hebraistic,
his language is characterised by ease and fluency. It appears to
have been made about the middle of the last century B.C., and
certainly by the time of Josephus, to whom it seems to have
been known.
Sources, Although the author wrote forty years after the
Maccaboean Wars, he may have based his narrative largely upon
personal acquaintance with the facts. He would also be in a
position to draw upon the recollections of eye-witnesses still liv-
ing, and to utilise a wealth of singularly fresh popular tradition.
of Maccabees ^ Introduction.
Yet in view of the wide scope and detailed character of the his-
tory, and of the numerous chronological data with respect to
events long past, it is highly probable that he possessed in addi-
tion certain written sources of information regarding the rise and
progress of the Maccabsean struggle. This is perhaps hinted at
in ix. 22, although the passage says nothing as to the nature of
these documents, and may simply mean that it was impossible
to give a complete record of the doings of Judas. Apart from the
official documents referred to below, the written sources acces-
sible to the writer probably consisted of private letters, occasional
chronicles of leading men and events, and such public records as
are alluded to in xi. 37, xiv. 18, etc. It has been thought that
in the verses incorporated with the narrative, particularly in the
section dealing with the history of Judas, we may have a trace
of the actual sources drawn upon. On this theory these verses
consist of snatches from contemporary psalms and dirges which
contained a good deal of positive material suitable for the author's
purpose. The question is one of probabilities, and will depend
for its answer upon the readiness or reluctance of the reader to
suppose that the inspiration of his material moved the writer to
express himself in lyrical form.
Historical Credibility. i Mace, is not free from error.
It represents the partition of Alexander's empire as made by
.himself (i. 6) ; it exaggerates the number of elephants engaged
in the battle of Maguesia (viii. 6 ; cp. Livy, xxxvii. 39) ; it is in
several particulars inaccurate with respect to the Romans (chap.
viii.) ; it assumes a racial affinity between the Spartans and the
Jews (xii. 6) ; it disagrees with the statement of various historians
as to thedateof themurderof Antiochus VI. by Tryphon(xiv. i^.
B xvii
Introduction. ^ The Books
But these mistakes in no way detract from the good faith of the
writer ; they are due to his imperfect acquaintance with the out-
side world. His habit of putting long speeches into the mouths
of different personages (ii. 49 ff., iii. 18 ff., etc.) is common to him
with ancient historians in general. Where he differs from
Josephus, his statements are probably more reliable than those
of that writer. The one respect in which his credibility is assail-
able is his undoubted tendency to exaggeration in the matter of
numbers, especially as regards the slaughter of their enemies by
the Jews (vii. 46, xi. 47), although even here he may be
accurately reporting the information he received.
There remains the question as to the reliability of the osten-
sibly official documents (eleven in all) which, as in the Book of
Ezra, are incorporated with the narrative. With one exception,
that of Jonathan's letter to the Spartans (xii. 6 ff. ), these are
communications to the Maccabees from outsiders, and their
originals can well have been in Jerusalem and at the disposal of
the writer. It would be absurd to regard them one and all as
pure fabrications on the part of either author or translator. Some
of them are described as ' copies ' (viii. 22, xii. 5, etc. ), and these
may at least be deemed tolerably accurate Hebrew translations
(re-translated into Greek by the translator of the book). Others,
however, must be viewed as attempts, on the part of the writer
or his authority, to restore the lost originals (cp. xii. 20 ff., xiv.
20 ff., XV. 16 ff.).
As a whole, the work undoubtedly bears the stamp of historical
trustworthiness. Its masterly detail, its sobriety of language, its
abstinence from abuse of the enemies of the Jews, its careful
chronology, and its geographical precision, entitle it to rank as
genuine history, and constitute it 'a record of priceless worth.'
of Maccabees ^ introduction.
Religious Standpoint. The writer's undisguised admiration
for the heroism of the Maccabees is based upon a deep-seated
reverence for 'the Law and the Ordinances' (ii. 21) which they
shed their blood to preserve. He is shocked at the desecration of
the sanctuary (i, 21), the destruction of the 'holy books' (i. 57,
xii, 9), and the blasphemies of Nicanor (vii, 34 f,). All the
miseries of his nation he views as manifestations of the Divine
displeasure (i. 64). Trust in God is the secret of strength (ii. 61)
and victory (iii, 18), Yet the depth of the theocratic feeling
that underlies the book is equalled only by the extraordinary
reserve shown in the expression of it. According to the true
text, and perhaps in keeping with the ruling custom of the time,
the Divine Name does not once occur in the book. The term
' heaven,' or merely a pronoun, is used instead of 'Jehovah ' or
'God' (iii. 50, ii. 61, etc.). Thus prayer is addressed not to a
present Jehovah, but to the remote heaven (iii. 50, iv. 10). The
absence of the penitential element from the prayers put into the
lips of the Maccab?ean leaders is also noteworthy, and in strong
contrast to what we find in Nehemiah (i. 6, ix. 2) and Daniel
(ix. 3-20), The victories of the Maccabees are ascribed to their
own valour and skill, and not to any miraculous intervention of
God, Recognising the spiritual poverty of his age, the author
wistfully looks for ' a faithful prophet ' who shall declare the
Divine will with respect to certain civil and religious pro-
blems (iv. 46, xiv. 41). The reference here can scarcely be
directly to the Messiah. In I Mace, the hope of immor-
tality finds no expression ; the rewards to which the dying
Mattathias points (ii. 52 ff, ) are all for this life.
Use in the Christian Church. The book is quoted or re-
six
Introduction. ^ The Books
ferred to by many of the fathers, and appears to have been used,
though not extensively, in the Christian Church from an early
date. It is not, however, included in the lists of Old Testament
scriptures drawn up by Athanasius (t373)> Gregory Nazianzus
(f39o), and others, and until the Council of Trent (1546), when
I and 2 Mace, were accepted as canonical, had no more than
* ecclesiastical ' rank. Along with the other Apocrypha, these
books were excluded from the Canon of the Protestant churches.
Nevertheless by Luther, and many others, i Mace, was greatly
prized, ahd it is significant that even the zeal of the Edinburgh
Bible Society was unable to swell its list of ' corruptions of the
Apocryphal books ' by a single quotation from this work.
Chronology. The writer follows the era of the Seleucid^
or Syrian kings, which begins with the accession of Seleucus I.,
Nicator, on the 1st Tishri (October) B.C. 312. As, however, he
reckons months after the Jewish method, he dates the commence-
ment of the Seleucid era from the ist Nisan (April), e'.^., about six
months earlier (?or later) than the real date. The new era
adopted by the Jews on the attainment of civil independence
(xiii. 42), and coincident with the first year of Simon's reign
(=173 of Seleucid era, or B.C. 143), was apparently used
only along with the Syrian (xiv. 27), and was soon discarded
altogether.
III.— THE SECOND BOOK OF MACCABEES
The period deaJt with in 2 Mace, is the interval of fifteen
years between the close of the reign of Seleucus IV., Philopator,
of Maccabees 5^ introduction.
(B.C. 176) and the defeat of Nicanor by Judas (B.C. r6i). It
thus begins at a point one year earlier than does I Mace, and
for this short period, i.e., for the events related from iii. i-iv. 6,
it is our principal authority, but for the remaining fourteen years
embraced in the narrative it occupies only a supplementary place
alongside of the First Book.
Contents. The two letters prefixed to the book (i.-ii. i8)
form no integral part of it. Except that they both purport to
contain an invitation to the Egyptian Jews to keep the Feast of
the Dedication, they have no real connection even with one
another. Originally independent documents, they were joined to
2 Mace, by a later hand, with the view of influencing the Jews
in Egypt to honour the Temple by observing the Feast of the
Dedication. That the letters are not the work of the epitomiser
himself may reasonably be inferred from the contradictions of
i. 7, which speaks of ' the extremity of trouble ' as existing in
the Seleucid year 169 ( = B.C. 144-143), with xv. 37, which states
that after Nicanor's death the Hebrews had the city in their
power, and of i. 1 1 ff. with ix. i ff. as to the circumstances
attending the death of Antiochus IV., Epiphanes. There can
be little doubt that both letters are forgeries.
Between the two introductory letters and the main narrative
stands the writer's own preface, in which he states the source,
object, and plan of his work (ii. 19-32). The remainder of the
book consists of an abridgment of a larger history in five
volumes by a certain Jason of Cyrene (ii. 23 ff.), a Hellenistic
Jew. In the opening section of his work (iii. l-iv. 6) the
epitomiser describes an abortive attempt by Heliodorus, minister
of Seleucus IV., to plunder the Temple, and the' disgraceful
Introduction. ^ The BoolcS
plotting of one Simon, a Benjamite, against the excellent high
priest Onias III. Thereafter from iv. 7-vii. 42 the narrative runs
parallel with that of I Mace. i. 10-64 — although it is given with
much greater fulness of detail — and depicts, on the one hand,
the apostasy of the Hellenisers, and, on the other, the heroic
martyrdom of many of the faithful under the terrible persecution
of the tyrant Epiphanes. Chaps, xiii. i-xv. 37 cover the same
ground as i Mace, iii.-vii., and recount the rise and progress of
the Maccabfean revolt down to the defeat and death of Nicanor.
In conclusion, the writer asks that his work should be judged
according to its merits (xv. 38 f.).
Sources, Date, and Authorship. The narrative is pro-
fessedly a digest of Jason's work. This extended to five
books, the endings of which some suppose to be reflected in
corresponding sections of 2 Mace, the dividing lines being
drawn at iii. 40, vii. 42, x. 9, xiii. 26, xv. 37. It was the
object of the epitomiser to condense this somewhat ponderous
and statistical work (ii. 24) into a single volume, so as to present
its material in a more attractive literary form. Seeing he found
this no easy task (ii. 26), the presumption is that he summarises
the entire work. It seems, indeed, to have been the sole docu-
mentary source of which he made use. Some scholars have
thought that for chap, iii., which deals with events falling within
the reigns of Seleucus IV., Philopator, and for chaps, xii.-xv.,
which treat of the reign of Demetrius I., the epitomiser must
have used other written sources, since in his summary of
contents he names only Antiochus IV., Epiphanes, and his son
Eupator. But he probably mentions these two kings as those
with whom the narrative is mainly concerned, without implying
of Maccabees ^ introduction.
that Jason's work was strictly limited to the period of their
sovereignty.
The original narrative was probably based on oral accounts
of eye-witnesses, who told the story of the period from per-
sonal recollection. In this case the detailed character of the
work shows that Jason must have written not later than the
middle of the second century B.C. Such mythical elements as
those of chaps, vi., vii., which record the martyrdom of Eleazar,
and the seven brethren with their mother, may well have
grown up in less than a quarter of a century. It is, however,
impossible to ascertain the precise date of Jason's composition.
Nor is the case different as regards the epitome. It is clear
from the altered relations with the Romans (viii. lo, 36) that
it was written later than i Mace, {i.e., after circa B.C. 95),
and from the underlying presuppositions with respect to the
Temple worship that it was written before the destruction of
Jerusalem in A.D. ^o. Moreover, the circumstance that
2 Mace, was most probably known to Philo, whose descriptions
of the tyrannical persecution of the pious vividly recall those of
our book, points to its having been written not later than about
A.D. 40. The likelihood is that it was composed nearly a cen-
tury before the latter date.
Of the personality of Jason nothing is known beyond what we
learn from 2 Mace. Although described as ' of Cyrene,' this
does not mean that he was resident there when he wrote. The
fact that he shows a far more intimate acquaintance with Syria
than with either Egypt or Palestine points to the very opposite
conclusion. While he has a defective knowledge of the topo-
graphy of the two latter countries, and alludes only to leading
persons and events connected with them, he can speak of the
Introduction. "^ The Books
former with minute geographical knowledge, and mentions even
minor personages by name (iv. 30, viii. 32, x. 32).
The identity of the epitomiser is also unknown. By some he
is believed to have been an Alexandrian Jew, but there is
nothing in his work to indicate divergence from the orthodox
Palestinian Judaism of the time. To a certain extent it bears
the stamp of his own individuality, although in every fundamental
respect it derives its character from the original source. Its
flowery rhetoric and absurd exaggeration in numerical statements
are probably to be ascribed to him, but he is not to be held
responsible for certain discrepancies occurring in the book {cp.,
e.g., ix. 29 with xiii. 23), or for the supernatural portents, which
are expressly said to have been transferred from the bulkier
treatise of Jason.
Language and Style. That Greek was the language used
by both Jason and his epitomiser is practically certain. To
Jerome it was evident ' from its very style ' that 2 Mace, was
originally written in Greek. Hebraisms are few and not harsh,
and the diction generally is that of the Greek rhetorician rather
than that of the Hebrew annalist. Occasionally the language is
either simple and natural, or awkward and uncouth (as in
xiii. 19-26), but for the most part it is inflated, florid, and
artificial. Though fond of using rare words and alliterative
expressions, the epitomiser writes excellent idiomatic Greek.
Historical Worth. In historical trustworthiness 2 Mace, is
decidedly inferior to the First Book, the authority of which is
to be uniformly preferred in case of irreconcilable discrepancies.
Of these the following are a few of the most obvious examples :
of Maccabees 5i^ introduction.
(i) The conflicting accounts of the death of Antiochus IV.,
Epiphanes, in I Mace. vi. and 2 Mace. ix. ; (2) the statement of
ix. 29 that Philip fled to Egypt does not harmonise with that of
I Mace. vi. 55, 63, which represents him as in possession of
Antioch ; (3) according to xiv. i, Demetrius I. landed in Syria
' with a mighty host and a fleet,' according to i Mace. vii. i.,
' with a few men ' ; (4) the alleged liking of Nicanor for Judas
(xiv. 24) is in sharp contrast to the tenor of i Mace. vii. 30 ; {5)
in XV. 31, 35 it is stated that the Acra was recaptured in B.C. 161,
whereas according to i Mace. xiii. 51 this happened in B.C. 142.
All attempts to harmonise these and similar discrepancies on the
theory that the two writers used a different chronology have
hitherto failed. Both probably reckoned by the Seleucid era.
Besides historical inaccuracies, the work contains absurd ex-
aggerations (viii. 24, etc.), and highly-coloured descriptions
(vi. i8-vii. 42). Yet it is not without historical value. In par-
ticular, the account of the circumstances that led up to the
Maccabsean revolt (iii. i-iv. 6) is of great worth, and contains
nothing incredible. On many points the book is in full agree-
ment with I Mace, while it is also at one with Josephus in
regard to several events not referred to in that work.
Religious Character. The religious tone of 2 Mace, is in
strong contrast to that of I Mace. While the sympathies of
both writers are with the patriotic party and opposed to the
Hellenisers, they are yet at opposite poles as regards their
general religious standpoint. The free use of the Divine name,
the frequent introduction of the miraculous element, the con-
stant obtrusion of the religious side and homiletic significance of
the history, and the excessive glorification of the Temple, — all dif-
Introduction. ^ The Books
ferentiate 2 Mace, very sharply from the First Book. Its purpose
is not so much to relate the facts as to emphasise the importance
of the two national festivals commemorative of the re-dedication
of the sanctuary and the death of Nicanor. Chronological order
is without scruple sacrificed to religious effect, as e.§., when the
account of the institution of the Feast of Dedication (x. i-8) is
placed at the end of the first half, and that of Nicanor's day ' at
the end of the other half, of the entire narrative. The writer
was apparently a Pharisee with no friendly feeling towards the
priestly order, whose vices are scathingly exposed (iv. 13). Al-
though Judas is the hero of the book, his own death is un-
recorded, and nothing is said that can redound to the glory of
his family. On the other hand, it is significant that while no
priest is mentioned in that honourable category, the first to
suffer martyrdom is 'one of the principal scribes' (vi. 18 ff.).
The strict Sabbatarianism of the epitomiser (v. 25, vi. 11, etc.),
the prominence given by him to angelic appearances, and his
very definite doctrine of the Resurrection (chap, vii.) distinctly
betray his Pharisaic leanings.
Ecclesiastical Reco'g-nition. 2 Mace, never attained
canonical rank among the Jews, although both Philo and the
later Rabbinical writers drew materials from it. Probably the
first Christian reference to it is in the Epistle to the Hebrews
{c/>. Heb. xi. 35 with 2 Mace. vi. 19, 28). It is very frequently
alluded to in the writings of the early Fathers, especially in
connection with the story of the martyrs. Origen, Jerome and
Augustine held it in high esteem, although only the last-named
was disposed to give it canonical rank. The Protestant Church
has not received it into the Canon, and has usually rated it much
xxvi
of Maccabees 5^ introduction.
lower than the First Book. Luther, while acknowledging that it
is not utterly devoid of good, says in his Table Talk (i. 24) : ' I
am so hostile to the other (second) Book of Maccabees, and to
Esther, as to wish they had never existed ; for they Judaise too
much and contain much heathen naughtiness.' By the Roman
Catholic Church, on the other hand, 2 Mace, is received as
canonical, and the so-called ' relics of the Maccabees ' are still
the objects of superstitious veneration in Cologne Cathedral,
m
The First Book of the
Maccabees
AND it happened, after that Alexander son of Wars of
Philip, the Macedonian, who came out of Alexander
the land of Chettiini, had smitten Darius king of the tht Great
Persians and Medes, that he reigned in his stead, the
first over Greece, and made many wars, and won s
many strong holds, and slew the kings of the earth,
and went through to the ends of the earth, and took
spoils of many nations, insomuch that the earth was
quiet before him ; whereupon he was exalted, and
his heart was lifted up. And he gathered a mighty lo
strong host, and ruled over countries, and nations,
and kings, who became tributaries unto him. And
after these things he fell sick, and perceived that he
should die. Wherefore he called his servants, such
as were honourable, and had been brought up with is
him from his youth, and parted his kingdom among
them, while he was yet alive. So Alexander reigned
twelve years, and then died. And his servants bare
rule every one in his place. And after his death
they all put crowns upon themselves ; so did their »o
sons after them many years : and evils were multiplied
in the earth.
Ch. I ; Ver. 10-20. **? First Book
Ant'tochus And there came out of them a wicked root,
Ep'ipkanes Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the
invades king, who had been an hostage at Rome, and he
Egypt reigned in the hundred and thirty and seventh year
5 of the kingdom of the Greeks.
In those days went there out of Israel wicked
men, who persuaded many, saying, Let us go and
make a covenant with the heathen that are round
about us : for since we departed from them we have
lo had much sorrow. So this device pleased them well.
Then certain of the people were so forward herein,
that they went to the king, who gave them licence
to do after the ordinances of the heathen : where-
upon they built a place of exercise at Jerusalem
15 according to the customs of the heathen : and made
themselves uncircumcised, and forsook the holy
covenant, and joined themselves to the heathen, and
were sold to do mischief.
Now when the kingdom was established before
20 Antiochus, he thought to reign over Egypt, that he
might have the dominion of two realms.
Wherefore he entered into Egypt with a great
multitude, with chariots, and elephants, and horsemen,
and a great navy, and made war against Ptolem.ee
25 king of Egypt : but Ptolemee was afraid of him, and
fled ; and many were wounded to death. Thus they
got the strong cities in the land of Egypt, and he
took the spoils thereof.
And after that Antiochus had smitten Egypt, he
of Maccabees ^ Ch. i ; Ver. 20-31.
returned again in the hundred forty and third year, He cap-
and went up against Israel and Jerusalem with a great tures Jeru-
multitude, and entered proudly into the sanctuary, scilem
and took away the golden altar, and the candlestick of
light, and all the vessels thereof, and the table of the s
shewbread, and the pouring vessels, and the vials,
and the censers of gold, and the veil, and the crowns,
and the golden ornaments that were before the temple,
all which he pulled off. He took also the silver and
the gold, and the precious vessels : also he took the 10
hidden treasures which he found. And when he had
taken all away, he went into his own land, having
made a great massacre, and spoken very proudly.
Therefore there was great mourning in Israel, in
every place where they were ; so that the princes 13
and elders mourned, the virgins and young men were
made feeble, and the beauty of women was changed.
Every bridegroom took up lamentation, and she that
sat in the marriage chamber was in heaviness. The
land also was moved for the inhabitants thereof, and 20
ail the house of Jacob was covered with confusion.
And after two years fully expired the king sent
his chief collector of tribute unto the cities of Juda,
who came unto Jerusalem with a great multitude, and
spake peaceable words unto them, but all tvas deceit : 25
for when they had given him credence, he fell suddenly
upon the city, and smote it very sore, and destroyed
much people of Israel.
And when he had taken the spoils of the city, he
3
Ch. I ; Ver. 31-44. ^ First Book
Jerusalem set it on fire, and pulled down the houses and walls
the Habi- thereof on every side. But the women and children
iation q/"took they captive, and possessed the cattle.
Strangers Then buiided they the city of David with a great
5 and strong wall, and with mighty towers, and made
it a strong hold for them. And they put therein a
sinful nation, wicked men, and fortified themselves
therein. They stored it also with armour and victuals,
and when they had gathered together the spoils of
10 Jerusalem, they laid them up there, and so they
became a sore snare : for it was a place to lie in wait
against the sanctuary, and an evil adversary to Israel.
Thus they shed innocent blood on every side of the
sanctuary, and defiled it : insomuch that the in-
15 habitants of Jerusalem fled because of them : where-
upon the city was made an habitation of strangers, and
became strange to those that were born in her ; and
her own children left her. Her sanctuary was laid
waste like a wilderness, her feasts were turned into
2o mourning, her sabbaths into reproach, her honour
into contempt. As had been her glory, so was her
dishonour increased, and her excellency was turned
into mourning.
Moreover king Antiochus wrote to his whole
23 kingdom, that all should be one people, and every
one should leave his laws : so all the heathen agreed
according to the commandment of the king. Yea, many
also of the Israelites consented to his religion, and
sacrificed unto idols, and profaned the sabbath. For
4
of Maccabees 5^ Ch. i ; Ver. 44-56.
the king had sent letters by messengers unto Jerusalem Antiochus
and the cities of Juda, that they should follow the abolishes
strange laws of the land, and forbid burnt offerings, Jenvlsh
and sacrifice, and drink offerings, in the temple ; and Worship
that they should profane the sabbaths and festival s
days : and pollute the sanctuary and holy people :
set up altars, and groves, and chapels of idols, and
sacrifice swine's flesh, and unclean beasts : that they
should also leave their children uncircumcised, and
make their souls abominable with all manner of un- lo
cleanness and profanation : to the end they might
forget the law, and change all the ordinances. And
whosoever would not do according to the command-
ment of the king, he said, he should die.
In the selfsame manner wrote he to his whole king- 15
dom,and appointed overseers over all the people, com-
manding the cities of Juda to sacrifice, city by city.
Then many of the people were gathered unto them, to
wit, every one that forsook the law ; and so they com-
mitted evils in the land ; and drove the Israelites into 20
secret places, even wheresoever they could flee for
succour.
Now the fifteenih day of the tnonth Casleu, in the
hundred forty and fifth year, they set up the abomina-
tion of desolation upon the altar, and builded idol 25
altars throughout the cities of Juda on every side ;
and burnt incense at the doors of their houses, and in
the streets. And when they had rent in pieces the
books of the law which they found, they burnt them
C 5
Ch. 2; Ver. 1-7. •^? First Book
The Wor- with fire. And wheresoever was found with any the
ship (>/'book. of the testament, or if any consented to the law,
Idols the king's commandment was, that they should put
begun him to death. Thus did they by their authority
5 unto the Israelites every month, to as many as were
found in the cities.
Now the five and twentieth day of the month they
did sacrifice upon the idol altar, which was upon the
altar of God. At which time according to the
10 commandment they put to death certain women,
that had caused their children to be circumcised.
And they hanged the infants about their necks, and
rifled their houses, and slew them that had circum-
cised them.
IS Howbeit many in Israel were fully resolved and
confirmed in themselves not to eat any unclean thing.
Wherefore they chose rather to die, that they might
not be defiled with meats, and that they might not
profane the holy covenant : so then they died. And
20 there was very great wrath upon Israel.
* In those days arose Mattathias the son of John,
the son of Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarib,
from Jerusalem, and dwelt in Modin. And he had
five sons, Joannan, called Caddis : Simon, called
25 Thassi : Judas, who was called Maccabeus : Eleazar,
called Avaran : and Jonathan, whose surname was
Apphus.
And when he saw the blasphemies that were
committed in Juda and Jerusalem, he said,
6
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 2 ; Ver. 7-18.
Woe is me! wherefore was I born to see this Grief of
misery of my people, and of the holy city, and to Matta-
dwell there, when it was delivered into the hand oithias
the enemy, and the sanctuary into the hand of
strangers ? Her temple is become as a man without 5
glory. Her glorious vessels are carried away into
captivity, her infants are slain in the streets, her
young men with the sword of the enemy. What
nation hath not had a part in her kingdom, and
gotten of her spoils \ All her ornaments are taken 10
away ; of a free woman she is become a bondslave.
And, behold, our sanctuary, even our beauty and our
glory, is laid waste, and the Gentiles have profaned
it. To what end therefore shall we live any
longer ? is
Then Mattathias and his sons rent their clothes, and
put on sackcloth, and mourned very sore.
In the mean while the king's officers, such as
compelled the people to revolt, came into the city
Modin, to make them sacrifice. And when many 20
of Israel came unto them, Mattathias also and his
sons came together. Then answered the king's
officers, and said to Mattathias on this wise, Thou
art a ruler, and an honourable and great man in this
city, and strengthened with sons and brethren : now 25
therefore come thou first, and fulfil the king's
commandment, like as all the heathen have done,
yea, and the men of Juda also, and such as remain at
Jerusalem : so shalt thou and thy house be in the
7
Ch. 2; Ver. 18-27. ^ First Book
Re-volt q/" number of the King's Friends, and thou and thy
Matta- children shall be honoured with silver and gold, and
tkias many rewards.
Then Mattathias answered and spake with a loud
s voice, Though all the nations that are under the
king's dominion obey him, and fall away every one
from the religion of their fathers, and give consent to
his commandments : yet will I and my sons and my
brethren walk in the covenant of our fathers. God.
10 forbid that we should forsake the law and. the
ordinances. We will not hearken to the king's
words, to go from our religion, either on the right
hand, or the left.
Now when he had left speaking these words, there
IS came one of the Jews in the sight of all to sacrifice
on the altar which was at Modin, according to the
king's commandment. Which thing when Mattathias
saw, he was inflamed with zeal, and his reins trembled,
neither could he forbear to shew his anger according
20 to judgment : wherefore he ran, and slew him upon
the altar. Also the king's commissioner, who com-
pelled men to sacrifice, he killed at that time, and
the altar he pulled down.
Thus dealt he zealously for the law of God, like
25 as Phinees did unto Zambri the son of Salom. And
Mattathias cried throughout the city with a loud voice,
saying,
Whosoever is zealous of the law, and maintaineth
the covenant, let him follow me.
8
of Maccabees 5^ Ch. 2 ; Ver. 28-38.
So he and his sons fled into the mountains, and left Slaughter
all that ever they had in the city. Then many that of the
sought after justice and judgment went down into the Folloivers
wilderness, to dwell there : both they, and their of Matta-
children, and their wives, and their cattle ; because thias
afflictions increased sore upon them.
Now when it was told the king's servants, and the
host that was at Jerusalem, in the city of David, that
certain men, who had broken the king's command-
ment, were gone down into the secret places in the lo
wilderness, they pursued after them a great
number, and having overtaken them, they camped
against them, and made war against them on the
sabbath day. And they said unto them, Let that
which ye have done hitherto suffice ; come forth, 15
and do according to the commandment of the king,
and ye shall live.
But they said, We will not come forth, neither
will we do the king's commandment, to profane the
sabbath day. So then they gave them the battle 20
with all speed. Howbeit they answered them not,
neither cast they a stone at them, nor stopped the
places where they lay hid ; but said. Let us die all
in our innocency : heaven and earth shall testify for
us, that ye put us to death wrongfully. 25
So they rose up against them in battle on the
sabbath, and they slew them, with their wives and
children, and their cattle, to the number of a thousand
people.
Ch. 2 ; Ver. 39-49- ^ First Book
Victory of Now when Mattathias and his friends understood
Matta- hereof, they mourned for them right sore. And one
thias of them said to another, If we all do as our brethren
have done, and fight not for our lives and laws
5 against the heathen, they will now quickly root us
out of the earth. At that time therefore they
decreed, saying. Whosoever shall come to make
battle with us on the sabbath day, we will fight
against him ; neither will we die all, as our brethren
lo that were murdered in the secret places.
Then came there unto him a company of Assideans,
who were mighty men of Israel, even all such as
were voluntarily devoted unto the law. Also all
they that fled for persecution joined themselves unto
IS them, and were a stay unto them. So they joined
their forces, and smote sinful men in their anger, and
wicked men in their wrath : but the rest fled to the
heathen for succour.
Then Mattathias and his friends went round about,
2o and pulled down the altars : and what children
soever they found within the coast of Israel un-
circumcised, those they circumcised valiantly. They
pursued also after the proud men, and the work
prospered in their hand. So they recovered the
25 law out of the hand of the Gentiles, and out of the
hand of kings, neither suffered they the sinner to
triumph.
Now when the time drew near that Mattathias
should die, he said unto his sons,
of Maccabees 5^ Ch. 2 ; Ver. 49-64.
Now hath pride and rebuke gotten strength, and Last
the time of destruction, and the wrath of indignation : Words
now therefore, my sons, be ye zealous for the law, of Matta-
and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers, th'ias
Call to remembrance what acts our fathers did in their 5
time ; so shall ye receive great honour and an ever-
lasting name. Was not Abraham found faithful in
temptation, and it was imputed unto him for righteous-
ness ? Joseph in the time of his distress kept the
commandment, and was made lord of Egypt. Phinees w
our father in being zealous and fervent obtained the
covenant of an everlasting priesthood. Jesus for
fulfilling the word was made a judge in Israel. Caleb
for bearing witness before the congregation received
the heritage of the land. David for being merciful 15
possessed the throne of an everlasting kingdom.
Elias for being zealous and fervent for the law was
taken up into heaven. Ananias, Azarias, and Misael,
by believing were saved out of the flame. Daniel for
his innocency was delivered from the mouth of lions. 20
And thus consider ye throughout all ages, that
none that put their trust in him shall be overcome.
Fear not then the words of a sinful man : for his
glory shall be dung and worms. To day he shall be
lifted up, and to morrow he shall not be found, 25
because he is returned into his dust, and his thought
is come to nothing. Wherefore, ye my sons, be
valiant, and shew yourselves men in the behalf of the
law ; for by it shall ye obtain glory.
Ch. 3 : Ver. i-8. '^ First Book
Judas And, behold, I know that your brother Simon is
Maccabeus a man of counsel, give ear unto him alway : he shall
succeeds be a father unto you. As for Judas Maccabeus, he
hath been mighty and strong, even from his youth
s up : let him be your captain, and fight the battle of
the people. Take also unto you all those that
observe the law, and avenge ye the wrong of your
people. Recompense fully the heathen, and take
heed to the commandments of the law.
10 So he blessed them, and was gathered to his
fathers. And he died in the hundred forty and
sixth year, and his sons buried him in the sepulchres
of his fathers at Modin, and all Israel made great
lamentation for him.
IS * Then his son Judas, called Maccabeus, rose up in
his stead. And all his brethren helped him, and so
did all they that held with his father, and they fought
with cheerfulness the battle of Israel. So he gat his
people great honour, and put on a breastplate as a
20 giant, and girt his warlike harness about him, and he
made battles, protecting the host with his sword. In
his acts he was like a lion, and like a lion's whelp
roaring for his prey. For he pursued the wicked,
and sought them out, and burnt up those that vexed
23 his people. Wherefore the wicked shrunk for fear
of him, and all the workers of iniquity were troubled,
because salvation prospered in his hand. He grieved
also many kings, and made Jacob glad with his acts,
and his memorial is blessed for ever. Moreover he
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 3 ; Ver. 8-18.
went through the cities of Juda, destroying the un- Judas
godly out of them, and turning away wrath from defeats
Israel : so that he was renowned unto the utmost Apollomus
part of the earth, and he received unto him such as
were ready to perish. s
Then Apollonius gathered the Gentiles together,
and a great host out of Samaria, to fight against
Israel. Which thing when Judas perceived, he went
forth to meet him, and so he smote him, and slew
him : many also fell down slain, but the rest fled. 10
Wherefore Judas took their spoils, and Apollonius'
sword also, and therewith he fought all his life long.
Now when Seron, a prince of the army of Syria,
heard say that Judas had gathered unto him a multi-
tude and company of the faithful to go out with him is
to war ; he said, I will get me a name and hpnour
in the kingdom ; for I will go fight with Judas and
them that are with him, who despise the king's
commandment. So he made him ready to go up,
and there went with him a mighty host of the ungodly 20
to help him, and to be avenged of the children of
Israel.
And when he came near to the going up of Beth-
horon, Judas went forth to meet him with a small
company : who, when they saw the host coming to 25
meet them, said unto Judas, How shall we be able,
being so few, to fight against so great a multitude
and so strong, seeing we arc ready to faint with fast-
ing all this day ? Unto whom Judas answered.
Ch. 3 ; Ver. 18-29. ^ First Book
Overthroiu It is no hard matter for many to be shut up in the
of Seron hands of a few; and with the God o/" heaven it is all
one, to deliver with a great multitude, or a small
company : for the victory of battle standeth not in
5 the multitude of an host ; but strength cometh from
heaven. They come against us in much pride and
iniquity to destroy us, and our wives and children,
and to spoil us : but we fight for our lives and our
laws. Wherefore the Lord himself will overthrow
lo them before our face : and as for you, be ye not
afraid of them.
Now as soon as he had left off speaking, he leapt
suddenly upon them, and so Seron and his host was
overthrown before him. And they pursued them
15 from the going down of Bethhoron unto the plain,
where were slain about eight hundred men of them ;
and the residue fled into the land of the Philistines.
Then began the fear of Judas and his brethren,
and an exceeding great dread, to fall upon the nations
20 round about them : insomuch as his fame came unto
the king, and all nations talked of the battles of
Judas.
Now when king Antiochus heard these things, he
was full of indignation : wherefore he sent and
25 gathered together all the forces of his realm, even a
very strong army. He opened also his treasure, and
gave his soldiers pay for a year, commanding them
to be ready whensoever he should need them. Never-
theless, when he saw that the money of his treasures
14
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 3 ; Ver. 29-37-
failed, and that the tributes in the country were small, ^fnger of
because of the dissension and plague, which he had yJntiochus
brought upon the land in taking away the laws which
had been of old time ; he feared that he should not
be able to bear the charges any longer, nor to have 5
such gifts to give so liberally as he did before : for
he had abounded above the kings that were before
him. Wherefore, being greatly perplexed in his
mind, he determined to go into Persia, there to take
the tributes of the countries, and to gather much 10
money.
So he left Lysias, a nobleman, and one of the
blood royal, to oversee the affairs of the king from
the river Euphrates unto the borders of Egypt :
and to bring up his son Antiochus, until he came 15
again. Moreover he delivered unto him the half
of his forces, and the elephants, and gave him
charge of all things that he would have done, as also
concerning them that dwelt in Juda and Jerusalem :
to wit, that he should send an army against them, 20
to destroy and root out the strength of Israel, and
the remnant of Jerusalem, and to take away their
memorial from that place ; and that he should
place strangers in all their quarters, and divide their
land by lot. 2s
So the king took the half of the forces that re-
mained, and departed from Antioch, his royal city,
the hundred forty and seventh year ; and having
passed the river Euphrates, he went through the
Ch. 3 ; Ver, 37-45. "^ First Book
The j^'t^z'/high countries. Then Lysias chose Ptolemee the
State of son of Dorymenes, and Nicanor, and Gorgias,
Jerusalem mighty men of the king's friends : and with them
he sent forty thousand footmen, and seven thousand
s horsemen, to go into the land of Juda, and to
destroy it, as the king commanded. So they went
forth with all their power, and came and pitched
by Emmaus in the plain country. And the mer-
chants of the country, hearing the fame of them,
10 took silver and gold very much, with servants, and
came into the camp to buy the children of Israel
for slaves : a power also of Syria and of the land of
the Philistines joined themselves unto them.
Now when Judas and his brethren saw that
15 miseries were multiplied, and that the forces did
encamp themselves in their borders ; for they knew
how the king had. given commandment to destroy
the people, and utterly abolish them ; they said one
to anotiier,
20 Let us restore the decayed estate of our people,
and let us fight for our people and the sanctuary.
Then was the congregation gathered together,
that they might be ready for battle, and that they
might pray, and ask mercy and compassion.
25 Now Jerusalem lay void as a wilderness, there
was none of her children that went in or out : the
sanctuary also was trodden down, and aliens kept
the strong hold ; the heathen had their habitation
in that place ; and joy was taken from Jacob, and
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 3 ; Ver. 45-56.
the pipe with the harp ceased. Wherefore the Reforms
Israelites a'Jsembled themselves together, and came to ordered
Maspha, over against Jerusalem ; for in Maspha was by Judas
the place where they prayed aforetime in Israel. Then
they fasted that day, and put on sackcloth, and cast 5
ashes upon their heads, and rent their clothes. And
laid open the book of the law, wherein the heathen
had sought to paint the likeness of their images.
They brought also the priests garments, and the
firstfruits, and the tithes : and the Nazarites they 10
stirred up, who had accomplished their days. Then
cried they with a loud voice toward heaven, saying.
What shall we do with these, and whither shall
we carry them away ? For thy sanctuary is trodden
down and profaned, and thy priests are in heaviness, 15
and brought low. And, lo, the heathen are assem-
bled together against us to destroy us : what things
they imagine against us, thou knowest. How shall
we be able to stand against them, except thou, 0
God, be our help ? 20
Then sounded they with trumpets, and cried with
a loud voice. And after this Judas ordained
captains over the people, even captains over thousands,
and over hundreds and over fifties, and over tens.
But as for such as were building houses, or had 25
betrothed wives, or were planting vineyards, or
were fearful, those he commanded that they should
return, every man to his own house, according to
the law.
Ch. 4 ; Ver. i-8. ^ First Book
Stratagem So the camp removed, and pitched upon the
of Judas south side of Emmaus. And Judas said,
Arm yourselves, and be valiant men, and see that
ye be in readiness against the morning, that ye may
5 fight with these nations, that are assembled together
against us to destroy us and our sanctuary : for it is
better for us to die in battle, than to behold the
calamities of our people and our sanctuary. Never-
theless, as the will of God is in heaven, so let him do.
10 * Then took Gorgias five thousand footmen, and a
thousand of the best horsemen, and removed out of
the camp by night ; to the end he might rush in
upon the camp of the Jews, and smite them suddenly.
And the men of the fortress were his guides.
15 Now when Judas heard thereof, he himself re-
moved, and the valiant men with him, that he might
smite the king's army which was at Emmaus,
while as yet the forces were dispersed from the
camp. In the mean season came Gorgias by night
20 into the camp of Judas : and when he found no
man there, he sought them in the mountains : for
said he, These fellows flee from us.
But as soon as it was day, Judas shewed himself
in the plain with three thousand men, who neverthe-
25 less had neither armour nor swords to their minds.
And they saw the camp of the heathen, that it was
strong and well harnessed, and compassed round
about with horsemen ; and these were expert of war.
Then said Judas to the men that were with him,
of Maccabees 5^ Ch. 4 ; Ver. 8-20.
Fear ye not their multitude, neitlier be ye afraid Defeat of
of their assault. Remember how our fathers were the
delivered in the Red sea, when Pharaoh pursued Invaders
them with an army. Now therefore let us cry unto
heaven, if peradventure the Lord will have mercy 5
upon us, and remember the covenant of our fathers,
and destroy this host before our face this day : that
so all the heathen may know that there is one who
delivereth and saveth Israel.
Then the strangers lifted up their eyes, and saw 10
them coming over against them. Wherefore they
went out of the camp to battle ; but they that were
with Judas sounded their trumpets. So they joined
battle, and the heathen being discomfited fled into
the plain. Howbeit all the hindmost of them were 15
slain with the sword : for they pursued them unto
Gazera, and unto the plains of Idumea, and Azotus,
and Jam.nia, so that there were slain of them upon
a three thousand men. This done, Judas returned
again with his host from pursuing them, and said to 20
the people.
Be not greedy of the spoils, inasmuch as there is
a battle before us. And Gorgias and his host are
here by us in the mountain : but stand ye now against
our enemies, and overcome them, and after this ye 25
may boldly take the spoils.
As Judas was yet speaking these words, there
appeared a part of them looking out of the mountain :
who when they perceived that the Jews had put
Ch. 4 ; Ver. 20-30. ^ First Book
Defeat o/" their host to flight, and were burning the tents ; for
Gorgias the smoke that was seen declared what was done :
when therefore they perceived these things, they
were sore afraid, and seeing also the host of Judas
5 in the plain ready to light, they fled every one into
the land of strangers.
Then Judas returned to spoil the tents, where they
got much gold, and silver, and blue silk, and purple
of the sea, and great riches. After this they went
lo home, and sung a song of thanksgiving, and praised
the Lord in heaven : because it is good, because his
mercy emlureth for ever. Thus Israel had a great
deliverance that day.
Now all the strangers that had escaped came and
13 told Lysias what had happened : who, when he
heard thereof, was confounded and discouraged,
because neither such things as he would were done
unto Israel, nor such things as the king commanded
him were come to pass.
2o The next year therefore following Lysias gathered
together threescore thousand choice men of foot, and
five thousand horsemen, that he might subdue them.
So they came into Idumea, and pitched their tents at
Bethsura, and Judas met them with ten thousand
25 men. And when he saw that mighty army, he
prayed and said.
Blessed art thou, O Saviour of Israel, who didst
quell the violence of the mighty man by the hand of
thy servant David, and gavest the host of strangers
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 4 ; Ver. 30-40.
into the hands of Jonathan the son of Saul, and his Defeat of
armourbearear ; shut up this army in the hand of Lysias
thy people Israel, and let them be confounded in
their power and horsemen : make them to be of no
courage, and cause the boldness of their strength to s
fall away, and let them quake at their destruction :
cast them down with the sword of them that love
thee, and let all those that know thy name praise
thee with thanksgiving.
So they joined battle ; and there were slain of the 10
host of Lysias about five thousand men, even before
them were they slain. Now when Lysias saw his
army put to flight, and the manliness of Judas*
soldiers, and how they were ready either to live or
die valiantly, he went into Antiochia, and gathered 15
together a company of strangers, and having made
his army greater than it was, he purposed to come
again into Judea. Then said Judas and his brethren.
Behold, our enemies are discomfited : let us go up
to cleanse and dedicate the sanctuary. 20
Upon this all the host assembled themselves
together, and went up into mount Sion. And when
they saw the sanctuary desolate, and the altar pro-
faned, and the gates burned up, and shrubs growing
in the courts as in a forest, or in one of the mountains, 25
yea, and the priests' chambers pulled down ; they
rent their clothes, and made great lamentation, and
cast ashes upon their heads, and fell down flat to
the ground upon their faces, and blew an alarm with
Ch. 4 ; Ver. 40-52. "^ First Book
Jerusalem the trumpets, and cried toward heaven. Then Judas
rf^a;«(f^ appointed certain men to fight against those that were
IS restored \vi the fortress, until he had cleansed the sanctuary.
So he chose priests of blameless conversation, such as
5 had pleasure in the law : who cleansed the sanctuary,
and bare out the defiled stones into an unclean
place.
And when as they consulted what to do with the
altar of burnt offerings, which was profaned ; they
lo thought it best to pull it down, lest it should be a
reproach to them, because the heathen had defiled
it : wherefore they pulled it down, and laid up the
stones in the mountain of the temple in a convenient
place, until there should come a prophet to shew
15 what should be done with them. Then they took
whole stones according to the law, and built a new
altar according to the former ; and made up the
sanctuary, and the things that were within the temple,
and hallowed the courts.
20 They made also new holy vessels, and into the
temple they brought the candlestick, and the altar
of burnt offerings, and of incense, and the table.
And upon the altar they burned incense, and the
lamps that were upon the candlestick they lighted,
25 that they might give light in the temple. Further-
more they set the loaves upon the table, and spread
out the veils, and finished all the works which they
had begun to make.
Now on the five and twentieth day of the ninth
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 4; Ver. 52-61.
month, which is called the month Casleu, in the Dedication
hundred forty and eighth year, they rose up betimes of God's
in the morning, and offered sacrifice according to Altar
the law upon the new altar of burnt offerings, which
they had made. Look, at what time and what day 5
the heathen had profaned it, even in that was it
dedicated with songs, and citherns, and harps, and
cymbals.
Then all the people fell upon their faces, wor-
shipping and praising the God of heaven, who had 10
given them good success. And so they kept the
dedication of the altar eight days, and offered burnt
offerings with gladness, and sacrificed the sacrifice
of deliverance and praise. They decked also the
forefront of the temple with crowns of gold, and 15
with shields ; and the gates and the chambers they
renewed, and hanged doors upon them.
Thus was there very great gladness among the
people, for that the reproach of the heathen was put
away. Moreover Judas and his brethren with the 20
whole congregation of Israel ordained, that the days
of the dedication of the altar should be kept in their
season from year to year by the space of eight days,
from the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu,
with mirth and gladness. At that time also they 25
builded up the mount Sion with high walls and strong
towers round about, lest the Gentiles should come
and tread it down, as they had done before. And
they set there a garrison to keep it, and fortified
Ch. 5 ; Ver. i-io. ^ First Book
Judas de- Bethsura to preserve it ; that the people might have
feats the a defence against Idumea.
Idumeans * Now when the nations round about heard that the
£if Am- altar was built, and the sanctuary renewed as before,
monites it displeased them very much. Wherefore they
thought to destroy the generation of Jacob that was
among them, and thereupon they began to slay and
destroy the people. Then Judas fought against the
children of Esau in Idumea at Arabattine, because
lo they besieged Israel : and he gave them a great over-
throw, and abated their courage, and took their spoils.
Also he remembered the injury of the children of
Bean, who had been a snare and an offence unto the
people, in that they lay in wait for them in the ways.
IS He shut them up therefore in the towers, and encamped
against them, and destroyed them utterly, and burned the
towers of that^/flf^r with fire, and all that were therein.
Afterward he passed over to the children of
Ammon, where he found a mighty power, and much
20 people, with Timotheus their captain. So he
fought many battles with them, till at length they
were discomfited before him ; and he smote them.
And when he had taken Jazar, with the towns
belonging thereto, he returned into Judea.
25 Then the heathen that were at Galaad assembled
themselves together against the Israelites that were
in their quarters, to destroy them ; but they fled to
the fortress of Dathema, and sent letters unto
Judas and his brethren,
24
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 5 ; Ver. lo-ig.
The heathen that are round about us are assembled Plans of
together against us to destroy us : and they are pre- Judas ^
paring to come and take the fortress whereunto we Simon
are fled, Timotheus being captain of their host.
Come now therefore, and deliver us from their hands, 5
for many of us are slain : yea, all our brethren that
were in the places of Tobie are put to death : their
wives and their children also they have carried away
captives, and borne away their stuff; and they have
destroyed there about a thousand men. lo
While these letters were yet reading, behold, there
came other messengers from Galilee with their
clothes rent, who reported on this wise, and said,
They of Ptolemais, and of Tyrus, and Sidon, and all
Galilee of the Gentiles, are assembled together 15
against us to consume us.
Now when Judas and the people heard these
words, there assembled a great congregation
together, to consult what they should do for
their brethren, that were in trouble, and assaulted 20
of them. Then said Judas unto Simon his brother,
Choose thee out men, and go and deliver thy
brethren that are in Galilee, for I and Jonathan
my brother will go into the country of Galaad.
So he left Joseph the son of Zacharias, and 25
Azarias, captains of the people, with the remnant of
the host in Judea to keep it. Unto whom he gave
commandment, saying. Take ye the charge of this
people, and see that ye make not war against the
25
Ch. 5 ; Ver. 10-28. ^ First Book
Simon heathen until the time that we come again. Now
Olivers unto Simon were given three thousand men to go
Galilee into Galilee, and unto Judas eight thousand men
for the country of Galaad.
5 Then went Simon into Galilee, where he fought
many battles with the heathen, so that the heathen
were discomfited by him. And he pursued them
unto the gate of Ptolemais ; and there were slain of
the heathen about three thousand men, whose spoils
lo he took. And those that were in Galilee, and in
Arbattis, with their wives and their children, and all
that they had, took he away with him, and brought
them into Judea with great joy.
Judas Maccabeus also and his brother Jonathan
13 went over Jordan, and travelled three days' journey
in the wilderness, where they met with the
Nabathites, who came unto them in a peaceable
manner, and told them every thing that had happened
to their brethren in the land of Galaad : and how
20 that many of them were shut up in Bosora, and
Bosor, and Alema, Casphor, Maked, and Carnaim ;
all these cities are strong and great : and that they
were shut up in the rest of the cities of the country
of Galaad, and that against to morrow they had
25 appointed to bring their host against the forts, and to
take them, and to destroy them all in one day.
Hereupon Judas and his host turned suddenly by
the way of the wilderness unto Bosora ; and when
he had won the citv, he slew all the males with the
26
of Maccabees 5«» Ch. 5; Ver. 28-39.
edge of the sword, and took, all their spoils, and Judas
burned the city with fire. From whence he removed over-
by night, and went till he came to the fortress. And tbroivs
betimes in the morning they looked up, and, behold, Galaad
there was an innumerable people bearing ladders and 5
other engines of war, to take the fortress : for they
assaulted them. When Judas therefore saw that the
battle was begun, and that the cry of the city went
up to heaven, with trumpets, and a great sound, he
said unto his host. Fight this day for your brethren. 10
So he went forth behind them in three companies,
who sounded their trumpets, and cried with prayer.
Then the host of Timotheus, knowing that it was
Maccabeus, fled from him : wherefore he smote them
with a great slaughter ; so that there were killed of 15
them that day about eight thousand men. This
done, Judas turned aside to Maspha ; and after he
had assaulted it, he took it, and slew all the males
therein, and received the spoils thereof, and burnt it
with fire. From thence went he, and took Casphon, 20
Maged, Bosor, and the other cities of the country of
Galaad.
After these things gathered Timotheus another
host, and encamped against Raphon beyond the
brook. So Judas sent men to espy the host, who 25
brought him word, saying, All the heathen that be
round about us are assembled unto them, even a very
great host. He hath also hired the Arabians to
help them, and they have pitched their tents beyond
Ch. 5 ; Ver. 39-47- ^ First Book
Capture of the brook, ready to come and fight against thee.
Carnatm Upon this Judas went to meet them.
Then Timotheus said unto the captains of his host.
When Judas and his host come near the brook, if he
5 pass over first unto us, we shall not be able to with-
stand him ; for he will mightily prevail against
us : but if he be afraid, and camp beyond the river,
we shall go over unto him, and prevail against
him.
10 Now when Judas came near the brook, he caused
the scribes of the people to remain by the brook :
unto whom he gave commandment, saying, Suffer no
man to remain in the camp, but let all come to the
battle. So he went first over unto them, and all the
15 people after him : then all the heathen, being discom-
fited before him, cast away their weapons, and fled
unto the temple that was at Carnaim. But they took
the city, and burned the temple with all that were
therein. Thus was Carnaim subdued, neither could
20 they stand any longer before Judas.
Then Judas gathered together all the Israelites
that were in the country of Galaad, from the least
unto the greatest, even their wives, and their children,
and their stuff, a very great host, to the end they
2S might come into the land of Judea. Now when they
came unto Ephron, (this was a great city in the way
as they should go, very well fortified) they could not
turn from it, either on the right hand or the left,
but must needs pass through the midst of it. Then
of Maccabees 5^ Ch. 5 ; ver. 47-57.
they of the city shut them out, and stopped up the Siormkg
gates with stones. of Ephron
Whereupon Judas sent unto them in peaceable
manner, saying. Let us pass through your land to go
into our own country, and none shall do you any 5
hurt ; we will only pass through on foot : howbeit
they would not open unto him. Wherefore Judas
commanded a proclamation to be made throughout
the host, that every man should pitch his tent in the
place where he was. So the soldiers pitched, and 'o
assaulted the city all that day and all that night, till
at the length the city was delivered into his hands :
who then slew all the males with the edge of the
sword, and rased the city, and took the spoils thereof,
and passed through the city over them that were slain. 15
After this went they over Jordan into the great plain
before Bethsan.
And Judas gathered together those that came
behind, and exhorted the people all the way through,
till they came into the land of Judea. So they went 20
up to mount Sion with joy and gladness, where they
offered burnt offerings, because not one of them were
slain until they had returned in peace.
Now what time as Judas and Jonathan were in the
land of Galaad, and Simon his brother in Galilee before 25
Ptolemais, Joseph the son of Zacharias, and Azarias,
captains of the garrisons, heard of the valiant acts and
warlike deeds which they had done. Wherefore
they said. Let us also get us a name, and go fight
29
Ch. 5 ; Ver. 57-68. "^ First Book
Reverse to against the heathen that are round about us. So
Joseph y when they had given charge unto the garrison that
j^zarias was with them, they went toward Jamnia.
Then came Gorgias and his men out of the city
5 to fight against them. And so it was, that Joseph
and Azarias were put to flight, and pursued unto the
borders of Judea : and there were slain that day of the
people of Israel about two thousand men. Thus was
there a great overthrow among the children of Israel,
TO because they were not obedient unto Judas and his
brethren, but thought to do some valiant act. More-
over these men came not of the seed of those, by
whose hand deliverance was given unto Israel.
Howbeit the man Judas and his brethren were greatly
15 renowned in the sight of all Israel, and of all the
heathen, wheresoever their name was heard of;
insomuch as the people assembled unto them with
joyful acclamations.
Afterward went Judas forth with his brethren, and
20 fought against the children of Esau in the land
toward the south, where he smote Hebron, and the
towns thereof, and pulled down the fortress of it, and
burned the towers thereof round about. From
thence he removed to go into the land of the
25 Philistines, and passed through Samaria. At that
time certain priests, desirous to shew their valour,
were slain in battle, for that they went out to fight
unadvisedly.
So Judas turned to Azotus in the land of the
of Maccabees 5^ Ch. 6 : Ver. i-8.
Philistines, and when he had pulled down their altars, Ant'tochus
and burned their carved images with fire, and spoiled at Elymais
their cities, he returned into the land of Judea.
* About that time king Antiochus travelling through
the high countries heard say, that Elymais in the 5
country of Persia was a city greatly renowned for
riches, silver, and gold ; and that there was in it a
very rich temple, wherein were coverings of gold,
and breastplates, and shields, which Alexander, son of
Philip, the Macedonian king, who reigned first among 10
the Grecians, had left there. Wherefore he came
and sought to take the city, and to spoil it ; but he
was not able, because they of the city, having had
warning thereof, rose up against him in battle : so
he fled, and departed thence with great heaviness, 15
and returned to Babylon.
Moreover there came one who brought him tidings
into Persia, that the armies, which went against the
land of Judea, were put to flight : and that Lysias, who
went forth first with a great power, was driven away 20
of the Jews ; and that they were made strong by the
armour, and power, and store of spoils, which they
had gotten of the armies, whom they had destroyed :
also that they had pulled down the abomination,
which he had set up upon the altar in Jerusalem, and 25
that they had compassed about the sanctuary with
high walls, as before, and his city Bethsura.
Now when the king heard these words, he was
astonished and sore moved : whereupon he laid him
Ch. 6 ; Ver. 8-i8. •^ First Book
Antiochus down upon his bed, and fell sick for grief, because it
Eupator had not befallen him as he looked for. And there
succeeds he continued many days : for his grief was ever more
and more, and he made account that he should die.
5 Wherefore he called for all his friends, and said unto
them,
The sleep is gone from mine eyes, and my
heart faileth for very care. And I thought with
myself, into what tribulation am I come, and how
lo great a flood of misery is it, wherein now I am ! for
I was bountiful and beloved in my power. But now
I remember the evils that I did at Jerusalem, and
that I took all the vessels of gold and silver that were
therein, and sent to destroy the inhabitants of Judea
15 without a cause. I perceive therefore that for this
cause these troubles are come upon me, and, behold,
I perish through great grief in a strange land.
Then called he for Philip, one of his friends,
whom he made ruler over all his realm, and gave him
20 the crown, and his robe, and his signet, to the end he
should bring up his son Antiochus, and nourish him
up for the kingdom. So king Antiochus died there
in the hundred forty and ninth year.
Now when Lysias knew that the king was dead,
25 he set up Antiochus his son, whom he had brought
up being young, to reign in his stead, and his name
he called Eupator.
About this time they that were in the tower shut up
the Israelites round about the sanctuary, and sought
of Maccabees 5^ Ch, 6; Ver. 18-30.
always their hurt, and the strengthening of the Eupator's
heathen. Wherefore Judas, purposing to destroy Expedition
them, called all the people together to besiege them, against
So they came together, and besieged them in the Judas
hundred and fiftieth year, and he made mounts for s
shot against them, and other engines. Howbeit
certain of them that were besieged got forth,
unto whom some ungodly men of Israel joined
themselves : and they went unto the king, and
said, 10
How long will it be ere thou execute judgment,
and avenge our brethren ? We have been willing to
serve thy father, and to do as he would have us, and
to obey his commandments ; for which cause they of
our nation besiege the tower, and are alienated from 13
us : moreover as many of us as they could light on
they slew, and spoiled our inheritance. Neither have
they stretched out their hand against us only, but
also against all their borders. And, behold, this day
are they besieging the tower at Jerusalem, to take it : 20
the sanctuary also and Bethsura have they fortified.
Wherefore if thou dost not prevent them quickly,
they will do greater things than these, neither shalt
thou be able to rule them.
Now when the king heard this, he was angry, and 25
gathered together all his friends, and the captains of his
army, and those that had charge of the horse. There
came also unto him from other kingdoms, and from
isles of the sea, bands of hired soldiers. So that the
33
Ch. 6; Ver. 30-38. ^ First Book
Arrange- number of his army was an hundred thousand footmen,
ment ©/"and twenty thousand horsemen, and two and thirty
the Kings elephants exercised in battle. These went through
Forces Idumea, and pitched against Bethsura, which they
5 assaulted many days, making engines of war ; but
they of Bethsura came out, and burned them with
fire, and fought valiantly.
Upon this Judas removed from the tower, and
pitched in Bathzacharias, over against the king's
10 camp. Then the king rising very early marched
fiercely with his host toward Bathzacharias, where
his armies made them ready to battle, and sounded
the trumpets. And to the end they might provoke
the elephants to fight, they shewed them the blood of
IS grapes and mulberries.
Moreover they divided the beasts among the armies,
and for every elephant they appointed a thousand
men, armed with coats of mail, and with helmets of
brass on their heads ; and beside this, for every beast
20 were ordained five hundred horsemen of the best.
These were ready at every occasion : wheresoever
the beast was, and whithersoever the beast went,
they went also, neither departed they from him.
And upon the beasts were there strong towers of
25 wood, which covered every one of them, and were
girt fast unto them with devices : there were also
upon every one two and thirty strong men, that
fought upon them, beside the Indian that ruled him.
As for the remnant of the horsemen, they set them
34
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 6; Ver. 38-47.
on this side and that side at the two parts of the host, Battle at
giving them signs what to do, and being harnessed Bath-
all over amidst the ranks. Now when the sun shone xecharias
upon the shields of gold and brass, the mountains
glistered therewith, and shined like lamps of fire. 5
So part of the king's army being spread upon the
high mountains, and part on the valleys below, they
marched on safely and in order. Wherefore all that
heard the noise of their multitude, and the marching
of the company, and the rattling of the harness, were lo
moved : for the army was very great and mighty.
Then Judas and his host drew near, and entered into
battle, and there were slain of the king's army six
hundred men.
Eleazar also, surnamed Savaran, perceiving that 15
one of the beasts, armed with royal harness, was
higher than all the rest, and supposing that the king
was upon him, put himself in jeopardy, to the end
he might deliver his people, and get him a perpetual
name : wherefore he ran upon him courageously 20
through the midst of the battle, slaying on the right
hand and on the left, so that they were divided from
him on both sides. Which done, he crept under
the elephant, and thrust him under, and slew him :
whereupon the elephant fell down upon him, and 25
there he died.
Howbeit the rest of the Jeivs seeing the strength
of the king, and the violence of his forces, turned
away from them.
35
Ch. 6; Ver. 48-57. -^ First Book
Jerusalem Then the king's army went up to Jerusalem to
iesiegeJ meet them, and the king pitched his tents against
Judea, and against mount Sion. But with them that
were in Bethsura he made peace : for they came out
5 of the city, because they had no victuals there to
endure the siege, it being a year of rest to the land.
So the king took Bethsura, and set a garrison there
to keep it. As for the sanctuary, he besieged it
many days : and set there artillery with engines and
10 instruments to cast fire and stones, and pieces to cast
darts and slings. Whereupon they also made engines
against their engines, and held them battle a long
season. Yet at the last, their vessels being without
victuals, (for that it was the seventh year, and they
IS in Judea, that were delivered from the Gentiles,
had eaten up the residue of the store ; ) there
were but a few left in the sanctuary, because the
famine did so prevail against them, that they were
fain to disperse themselves, every man to his own
20 place.
At that time Lysias heard say, that Philip, whom
Antiochus the king, whiles he lived, had appointed
to bring up his son Antiochus, that he might be
king, was returned out of Persia and Media, and
25 the king's host also that went with him, and that
he sought to take unto him the ruling of the
affairs.
Wherefore he went in all haste, and said to the
king and the captains of the host and the company,
36
of Maccabees ^^ Ch. 7 ; Ver. 1-4.
We decay daily, and our victuals are but small, and Eupator
the place we lay siege unto is strong, and the affairs breaks his
of the kingdom lie upon us : now therefore let Oath of
us be friends with these men, and make peace with Peiice
them, and with all their nation ; and covenant with 5
them, that they shall live after their laws, as they
did before : for they are therefore displeased, and
have done all these things, because we abolished their
laws.
So the king and the princes were content : where- 10
fore he sent unto them to make peace ; and they
accepted thereof. Also the king and the princes
made an oath unto them : whereupon they went out
of the strong hold. Then the king entered into
mount Sion ; but when he saw the strength of the is
place, he brake his oath that he had made, and
gave commandment to pull down the wall round
about. Afterward departed he in all haste, and
returned unto Antiochia, where he found Philip to
be master of the city : so he fought against him, 20
and took the city by force.
* In the hundred and one and fiftieth year Demetrius
the son of Seleucus departed from Rome, and came
up with a few men unto a city of the sea coast, and
reigned there. And as he entered into the palace of 25
his ancestors, so it was, that his forces had taken
Antiochus and Lysias, to bring them unto him.
Wherefore, when he knew it, he said, Let me not
see their faces. So his host slew them.
E ^17
Ch. 7; Ver. 4-15. ^ First Book
Exposition Now when Demetrius was set upon the throne of
of j4/cimus his kingdom, there came unto him all the wicked
and Sind. ungodly men of Israel, having Alcimus, who
Bacchides was desirous to be high priest, for their captain :
5 and they accused the people to the king, saying,
Judas and his brethren have slain all thy friends, and
driven us out of our own land. Now therefore send
some man whom thou trustest, and let him go and
see what havock he hath made among us, and in the
10 king's land, and let him punish them with all them
that aid them. Then the king chose Bacchides, a
friend of the king, who ruled beyond the flood, and
was a great man in the kingdom, and faithful to
the king. And him he sent with that wicked
IS Alcimus, whom he made high priest, and commanded
that he should take vengeance of the children of
Israel.
So they departed, and came with a great power
into the land of Judea, where they sent messengers
20 to Judas and his brethren with peaceable words
deceitfully. But they gave no heed to their words ;
for they saw that they were come with a great power.
Then did there assemble unto Alcimus and Bacchides
a company of scribes, to require justice. Now the
=5 Assideans were the first among the children of Israel
that sought peace of them : for said they. One that
is a priest of the seed of Aaron is come with this
army, and he will do us no wrong. So he spake
unto them peaceably, and sware unto them, saying,
38
of Maccabees §^ Ch. 7;Ver. 15-25.
We will procure the harm neither of you nor your Judas
friends. Whereupon they believed him : howbeit takes
he took, of them threescore men, and slew them in Vengeance
one day, according to the words which he wrote, the on Alc'imus
flesh of thy saints have they cast out, and their blood 5
have they shed round about Jerusalem, and there was
none to bury them.
Wherefore the fear and dread of them fell upon
all the people, who said, There is neither truth nor
righteousness in them ; for they have broken the lo
covenant and oath that they made. After this
removed Bacchides from Jerusalem, and pitched his
tents in Bezeth, where he sent and took many of the
men that had forsaken him, and certain of the
people also, and when he had slain them, he cast 15
them into the great pit. Then committed he the
country to Alcimus, and left with him a power to
aid him ; so Bacchides went to the king.
But Alcimus contended for the high priesthood.
And unto him resorted all such as troubled the 20
people, who, after they had gotten the land of Juda
into their power, did much hurt in Israel. Now
when Judas saw all the mischief that Alcimus and
his company had done among the Israelites, even
above the heathen, he went out into all the coasts 25
of Judea round about, and took vengeance of them
that had revolted from him, so that they durst no
more go forth into the country. On the other side,
when Alcimus saw that Judas and his company had
39
Ch. 7 ; Ver. 25-35- ^^ First Book
Nicanors gotten the upper hand, and knew that he was
Deceit not able to abide their force, he went again to
the king, and said all the worst of them that he
could.
5 Then the king sent Nicanor, one of his honourable
princes, a man that bare deadly hate unto Israel,
with commandment to destroy the people. So Nicanor
came to Jerusalem with a great force ; and sent
unto Judas and his brethren deceitfully with friendly
10 words, saying, Let there be no battle between me
and you ; I will come with a few men, that I may
see you in peace. He came therefore to Judas, and
they saluted one another peaceably. Howbeit the
enemies were prepared to take away Judas by
15 violence. Which thing after it was known to Judas,
to <vit, that he came unto him with deceit, he was
sore afraid of him, and would see his face no more.
Nicanor also, when he saw that his counsel was
discovered, went out to fight against Judas beside
2o Capharsalama : where there were slain of Nicanor's
side about five thousand men, and the rest fled into
the city of David.
After this went Nicanor up to mount Sion, and
there came out of the sanctuary certain of the priests
25 and certain of the elders of the people, to salute
him peaceably, and to shew him the burnt sacrifice
that was offered for the king. But he mocked
them, and laughed at them, and abused them shame-
fully, and spake proudly, and sware in his wrath,
40
of Maccabees c^ Ch. 7 ; Ver. 35-45.
saying. Unless Judas and his host be now delivered Overthroiv
into my hands, if ever I come again in safety, I will ofNicanor
burn up this house : and with that he went out in a
great rage.
Then the priests entered in, and stood before 5
the altar and the temple, weeping, and saying,
Thou, 0 Lord, didst choose this house to be
called by thy name, and to be a house of prayer and
petition for thy people : be avenged of this man
and his host, and let them fall by the sword : 10
remember their blasphemies, and suffer them not to
continue any longer. So Nicanor went out of Jeru-
salem, and pitched his tents in Bethhoron, where
an host out of Syria met him. But Judas pitched in
Adasa with three thousand men, and there he prayed, is
saying, 0 Lord, when they that were sent from the
king of the Assyrians blasphemed, thine angel went
out, and smote an hundred fourscore and five
thousand of them. Even so destroy thou this
host before us this day, that the rest may know 20
that he hath spoken blasphemously against thy
sanctuary, and judge thou him according to his
wickedness.
So the thirteenth day of the month Adar the
hosts joined battle : but Nicanor's host was dis- 25
comfited, and he himself was first slain in the
battle. Now when Nicanor's host saw that he was
slain, they cast away their weapons, and fled. Then
they pursued after them a day's journey, from Adasa
Ch. 8: Ver. 1-4 ^ First Book
Judas unto Gazera, sounding an alarm after them with
hears q/'their trumpets. Whereupon they came forth out
the of all the towns of Judea round about, and closed
Romans them in ; so that they, turning back upon them
s that pursued them, were all slain with the sword,
and not one of them was left. Afterwards they
took the spoils, and the prey, and smote off Nicanor's
head, and his right hand, which he stretched out so
proudly, and brought them away, and hanged them
10 up toward Jerusalem. For this cause the people
rejoiced greatly, and they kept that day a day of
great gladness. Moreover they ordained to keep
yearly this day, being the thirteenth of Adar.
Thus the land of Juda was in rest a little while.
IS * Now Judas had heard of the fame of the
Romans, that they were mighty and valiant men,
and such as would lovingly accept all that joined
themselves unto them, and make a league of amity
with all that came unto them ; and that they were
20 men of great valour. It was told him also of their
wars and noble acts which they had done among
the Galatians, and how they had conquered them,
and brought them under tribute ; and what they had
done in the country of Spain, for the winning of the
25 mines of the silver and gold which is there ; and
that by their policy and patience they had conquered
all the place, though it were very far from them ;
and the kings also that came against them from the
uttermost part of the earth, till they had dis-
of Maccabees 5^ Ch. 8 ; Ver. 4-12.
comfited them, and given them a great overthrow, Judas
so that the rest did give them tribute every year : hears of
beside this, how they had discomfited in battle the
Philip, and Perseus, king of the Citims, with others Romans
that lifted up themselves against them, and had over- 5
come them: how also Antiochus the great king of
Asia, that came against them in battle, having an
hundred and twenty elephants, with horsemen, and
chariots, and a very great army, was discomfited by
them ; and how they took him alive, and covenanted 10
that he and such as reigned after him should pay
a great tribute, and give hostages, and that which
was agreed upon, and the country of India, and
Media, and Lydia, and of the goodliest countries,
which they took of him, and gave to king Eumenes : 15
moreover how the Grecians had determined to come
and destroy them ; and that they, having knowledge
thereof, sent against them a certain captain, and
fighting with them slew many of them, and carried
away captives their wives and their children, and 20
spoiled them, and took possession of their lands,
and pulled down their strong holds, and brought them
to be their servants unto this day : it 'was told htm
besides, how they destroyed and brought under
their dominion all other kingdoms and isles that at 23
any time resisted them ; but with their friends and
such as relied upon them they kept amity : and that
they had conquered kingdoms both far and nigh,
insomuch as all that heard of their name were afraid
Ch. 8 ; Ver. 12-22. ^ First Book
Judas of them : also that, whom they would help to a
sends kingdom, those reign ; and whom again they would,
to they displace : finally, that they were greatly
Rome exalted : yet for all this none of them wore a crown,
5 or was clothed in purple, to be magnified thereby :
moreover how they had made for themselves a
senate house, wherein three hundred and twenty
men sat in council daily, consulting alway for the
people, to the end they might be well ordered :
10 and that they committed their government to one
man every year, who ruled over all their country,
and that all were obedient to that one, and that
there was neither envy nor emulation among them.
In consideration of these things, Judas chose
15 Eupolemus the son of John, the son of Accos, and
Jason the son of Eleazar, and sent them to Rome, to
make a league of amity and confederacy with them.
j4nd to intreat them that they would take the yoke
from them ; for they saw that the kingdom of
20 the Grecians did oppress Israel with servitude.
They went therefore to Rome, which was a very
great journey, and came into the senate, where they
spake and said, Judas Maccabeus with his brethren,
and the people of the Jews, have sent us unto you,
25 to make a confederacy and peace with you, and that
we might be registered your confederates and friends.
So that matter pleased the Romans well. And this
is the copy of the epistle which the senate wrote back
again in tables of brass, and sent to Jerusalem, that
44
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 8; Ver. 22.31.
there they might have by them a memorial of peace Concludes
and confederacy : ^ Treaty
Good success be to the Romans, and to the '^ith the
people of the Jews, by sea and by land for ever : the Romans
sword also and enemy be far from them. If there 5
come first any war upon the Romans or any of their
confederates throughout all their dominion, the
people of the Jews shall help them, as the time shall
be appointed, with all their heart : neither shall they
give any thing unto them that make war upon jo
them, or aid them with victuals, weapons, money, or
ships, as it hath seemed good unto the Romans ; but
they shall keep their covenants without taking any
thing therefore. In the same manner also, if war
come first upon the nation of the Jews, the Romans 15
shall help them with all their heart, according as
the time shall be appointed them : neither shall
victuals be given to them that take part against them,
or weapons, or money, or ships, as it hath seemed
good to the Romans ; but they shall keep their 20
covenants, and that without deceit. According to
these articles did the Romans make a covenant with
the people of the Jews. Howbeit if hereafter the
one party or the other shall think meet to add or
diminish any thing, they may do it at their pleasures, 25
and whatsoever they shall add or take away shall be
ratified. And as touching the evils that Demetrius
doeth to the Jews, we have written unto him, saying.
Wherefore hast thou made thy yoke heavy upon our
45
Ch 9; Ver. 1-9. ^ First Book
Second friends and confederates the Jews ? If therefore
Expedition they complain any more against thee, we will do
sent by them justice, and fight with thee by sea and by land.
Demetrius * Furthermore when Demetrius heard that Nicanor
5 and his host were slain in battle, he sent Bacchides
and Alcimus into the land of Judea the second time,
and with them the chief strength of his host : who
went forth by the way that leadeth to Galgala, and
pitched their tents before Masaloth, which is in
10 Arbela, and after they had won it, they slew much
people. Also the first month of the hundred fifty
and second year they encamped before Jerusalem :
from whence they removed, and went to Berea, with
twenty thousand footmen and two thousand horsemen.
IS Now Judas had pitched his tents at Eleasa, and
three thousand chosen men with him : who seeing
the multitude of the other army to be so great were
sore afraid ; whereupon many conveyed themselves
out of the host, insomuch as there abode of them no
20 more but eight hundred men. When Judas therefore
saw that his host slipt away, and that the battle
pressed upon him, he was sore troubled in mind, and
much distressed, for that he had no time to gather
them together. Nevertheless unto them that remained
25 he said, Let us arise and go up against our enemies,
if peradventure we may be able to fight with them.
But they dehorted him, saying. We shall never be
able : let us now rather save our lives, and hereafter
we will return with our brethren, and fight against
46
of Maccabees 5^ Ch. 9 ; Ver. 9-21
them : for we are but few. Then Judas said, God Death of
forbid that I should do this thing, and flee away Judas
from them : if our time be come, let us die manfully Maccabeus
for our brethren, and let us not stain our honour.
With that the host of Bacchides removed out of 5
their tents, and stood over against them, their horse-
men being divided into two troops, and their slingers
and archers going before the host, and they that
marched in the foreward were all mighty men. As
for Bacchides, he was in the right wing : so the host 10
drew near on the two parts, and sounded their
trumpets. They also of Judas' side, even they
sounded their trumpets also, so that the earth shook
at the noise of the armies, and the battle continued
from morning till night. Now when Judas perceived 13
that Bacchides and the strength of his army were on
the right side, he took with him all the hardy men,
who discomfited the right wing, and pursued them
unto the mount Azotus. But when they of the
left wing saw that they of the right wing were 20
discomfited, they followed upon Judas and those that
were with him hard at the heels from behind : where-
upon there was a sore battle, insomuch as many were
slain on both parts. Judas also was killed, and the
remnant fled. Then Jonathan and Simon took Judas 23
their brother, and buried him in the sepulchre of his
fathers in Modin. Moreover they bewailed him, and
all Israel made great lamentation for him, and
mourned many days, saying. How is the valiant man
47
Ch. 9 ; Ver. 21-33. ^ First Book.
Rise o/" fallen, that delivered Israel ! As for the other
yonathan things concerning Judas and his wars, and the noble
Maccabeus acts which he did, and his greatness, they are not
written : for they were very many.
5 Now after the death of Judas the wicked began
to put forth their heads in all the coasts of Israel,
and there arose up all such as wrought iniquity.
In those days also was there a very great famine, by
reason whereof the country revolted, and went with
10 them. Then Bacchides chose the wicked men, and
made them lords of the country. And they made
enquiry and search for Judas' friends, and brought
them unto Bacchides, who took vengeance of them,
and used them despitefully. So was there a great
15 affliction in Israel, the like whereof was not since the
time that a prophet was not seen among them. For
this cause all Judas' friends came together, and said
unto Jonathan, Since thy brother Judas died, we
have no man like him to go forth against our enemies,
20 and Bacchides, and against them of our nation that
are adversaries to us. Now therefore we have chosen
thee this day to be our prince and captain in his
stead, that thou mayest light our battles. Upon this
Jonathan took the governance upon him at that
^5 time, and rose up instead of his brother Judas.
But when Bacchides gat knowledge thereof, he
sought for to slay him. Then Jonathan, and Simon
his brother, and all that were with him, perceiving
that, fled into the wilderness of Thecoe, and pitched
48
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 9; Ver. 33-42.
their tents by tlie water of the pool Asphar. Which Jonathan
when Bacchides understood, he came near to Jordan revenges
with all his host upon the sabbath day. Now his
Jonathan had sent his brother John, a captain of the Brother
people, to pray his friends the Nabathites, that they 5
might leave with them their carriage, which was
much. But the children of Jambri came out of
Medaba, and took. John, and all that he had, and
went their way with it. After this came word to
Jonathan and Simon his brother, that the children 10
of Jambri made a great marriage, and were bringing
the bride from Nadabatha with a great train, as
being the daughter of one of the great princes of
Chanaan. Therefore they remembered John their
brother, and went up, and hid themselves under the 15
covert of the mountain : where they lifted up their
eyes, and looked, and, behold, there was much ado
and great carriage : and the bridegroom came forth,
and his friends and brethren, to meet them with
drums, and instruments of musick, and many weapons. 20
Then Jonathan and they that were with him rose
up against them from the place where they lay in
ambush, and made a slaughter of them in such sort,
as many fell down dead, and the remnant fled into
the mountain, and they took all their spoils. Thus as
was the marriage turned into mourning, and the noise
of their melody into lamentation. So when they
had avenged fully the blood of their brother, they
turned again to the marsh of Jordan,
4<)
Ch. 9 ; Ver. 43-54- ^ First Book
Jonathan Now when Bacchides heard hereof, he came on
Inflicts the sabbath day unto the banks of Jordan with a great
Loss on power. Then Jonathan said to his company, Let
Bacchides us go up now and fight for our lives, for it standeth
5 not with us to day, as in time past : for, behold, the
battle is before us and behind us, and the water of
Jordan on this side and that side, the marsh likewise
and wood, neither is there place for us to turn aside.
Wherefore cry ye now unto heaven, that ye may
lo be delivered from the hand of your enemies. With
that they joined battle, and Jonathan stretched forth
his hand to smite Bacchides, but he turned back from
him. Then Jonathan and they that were with him
leapt into Jordan, and swam over unto the farther
15 bank : howbeit the other passed not over Jordan
unto them. So there were slain of Bacchides' side
that day about a thousand men.
Afterward returned Bacchides to Jerusalem, and
repaired the strong cities in Judea ; the fort in
20 Jericho, and Emmaus, and Bethhoron, and Bethel,
and Thamnatha, Pharathoni, and Taphon, these did
he strengthen with high walls, with gates, and with
bars. And in them he set a garrison that they
might work malice upon Israel. He fortified also
2s the city Bethsura, and Gazara, and the tower, and
put forces in them, and provision of victuals.
Besides, he took the chief men's sons in the country
for hostages, and put them into the tower at Jerusalem
to be kept. Moreover in the hundred fifty and
so
of Maccabees 5«» Ch. 9 ; Ver, 54-63.
third year, in the second month, Alcimus com- Attempt to
manded that the wall of the inner court of the capture
sanctuary should be pulled down ; he pulled down Jonathan
also the works of the prophets. And as he began
to pull down, even at that time was Alcimus plagued, 5
and his enterprizes hindered: for his mouth was
stopped, and he was taken with a palsy, so that he
could no more speak any thing, nor give order con-
cerning his house. So Alcimus died at that time
with great torment. 10
Now when Bacchides saw that Alcimus was dead,
he returned to the king : whereupon the land of
Judea was in rest two years. Then all the ungodly
men held a council, saying, Behold, Jonathan and
his company are at ease, and dwell without care : 15
now therefore we will bring Bacchides hither, who
shall take them all in one night. So they went and
consulted with him. Then removed he, and came
with a great host, and sent letters privily to his
adherents in Judea, that they should take Jonathan 20
and those that were with him : howbeit they could
not, because their counsel was known unto them.
Wherefore they took of the men of the country,
that were authors of that mischief, about fifty persons,
and slew them. Afterward Jonathan, and Simon, 25
and they that were with him, got them away to
Bethbasi, which is in the wilderness, and they re-
paired the decays thereof, and made it strong.
Which thing when Bacchides knew, he gathered
Ch. 9; Ver. 63-73- ^ First Book
"Jonathan together all his host, and sent word to them that
and were of Judea. Then went he and laid siege
Bacchides against Bethbasi ; and they fought against it a long
make season, and made engines of war.
Peace But Jonathan left his brother Simon in the city,
and went forth himself into the country, and with
a certain number went he forth. And he smote
' Odonarkes and his brethren, and the children of
Phasiron in their tent, and when he began to smite
10 them, and came up with his forces, Simon and his
company went out of the city, and burned up the
engines of war, and fought against Bacchides, who
was discomfited by them, and they afflicted him
sore : for his counsel and travail was in vain.
15 Wherefore he was very wroth at the wicked men
that gave him counsel to come into the country,
insomuch as he slew many of them, and purposed to
return into his own country. Whereof when
Jonathan had knowledge, he sent ambassadors unto
20 him, to the end he should make peace with him,
and deliver them the prisoners. Which thing he
accepted, and did according to his demands, and
sware unto him that he would never do him harm
all the days of his life. When therefore he had
as restored unto him the prisoners that he had taken
aforetime out of the land of Judea, he returned and
went his way into his own land, neither came he
any more into their borders. Thus the sword
ceased from Israel : but Jonathan dwelt at Machmas,
of Maccabees ^ Ch. lo ; Ver. i-n.
and began to govern the people ; and he destroyed yonathan
the ungodly men out of Israel. repairs
* In the hundred and sixtieth year Alexander, the Jerusalem
son of Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, went up and
took Ptolemais : for the people had received him, by 5
means whereof he reigned there. Now when king
Demetrius heard thereof, he gathered together an
exceeding great host, and went forth against him to
fight. Moreover Demetrius sent letters unto Jonathan
with loving words, so as he magnified him. For said 10
he. Let us first make peace with him, before he join
with Alexander against us : else he will remember all
the evils that we have done against him, and against
his brethren and his people. Wherefore he gave him
authority to gather together an host, and to provide '5
weapons, that he might aid him in battle: he com-
manded also that the hostages that were in the tower
should be delivered him.
Then came Jonathan to Jerusalem, and read the
letters in the audience of all the people, and of them 20
that were in the tower : who were sore afraid, when
they heard that the king had given him authority to
gather together an host. Whereupon they of the
tower delivered their hostages unto Jonathan, and he
delivered them unto their parents. «5
This done, Jonathan settled himself in Jerusalem,
and began to build and repair the city. And he
commanded the workmen to build the walls and the
mount Sion round about with square stones for
F S3
Ch. 10 ; Ver. 11-23. ^ First Book
Jonathan fortification ; and they did so. Then the strangers,
becomes that were in the fortresses which Bacchides had built,
High fled away ; insomuch as every man left his place.
Priest and went into his own country. Only at Bethsura
5 certain of those that had forsaken the law and the
commandments remained still : for it was their place
of refuge. Now when king Alexander had heard
what promises Demetrius had sent unto Jonathan :
when also it was told him of the battles and noble
10 acts which he and his brethren had done, and of the
pains that they had endured, he said, Shall we find
such another man ? now therefore we will make him
our friend and confederate. Upon this he wrote a
letter, and sent it unto him, according to these words,
xz saying.
King Alexander to his brother Jonathan sendeth
greeting : we have heard of thee, that thou art a man
of great power, and meet to be our friend. Where-
fore now this day we ordain thee to be the high priest
2o of thy nation, and to be called the king's friend ; (and
therewithal he sent him a purple robe and a crown of
gold : ) and require thee to take our part, and keep
friendship with us.
So in the seventh month of the hundred and sixtieth
25 year, at the feast of the tabernacles, Jonathan put on
the holy robe, and gathered together forces, and pro-
vided much armour.
Whereof when Demetrius heard, he was very
sorry, and said, What have we done, that Alexander
54
of Maccabees 5o» Ch. lo; Ver. 23-33.
hath prevented us in making amity with the Jews to Demetrius
strengthen himself? I also will write unto them ^nJ
words of encouragement, and promise them dignities Jonathan
and gifts, that I may have their aid. He sent unto
them therefore to this eifect : 5
King Demetrius unto the people of the Jews
sendeth greeting : whereas ye have kept covenants
with us, and continued in our friendship, not joining
yourselves with our enemies, we have heard hereof,
and are glad. Wherefore now continue ye still to be 10
faithful unto us, and we will well recompense you for
the things ye do in our behalf, and will grant you
many immunities, and give you rewards. And now
do I free you, and for your sake I release all the
Jews, from tributes, and from the customs of salt, and 13
from crown taxes, and from that which appertaineth
unto me to receive for the third part of the seed, and
the half of the fruit of the trees, I release it from
this day forth, so that they shall not be taken of the
land of Judea, nor of the three governments which 20
are added thereunto out of the country of Samaria
and Galilee, from this day forth for evermore.
Let Jerusalem also be holy and free, with the
borders thereof, both from tenths and tributes. And
as for the tower which is at Jerusalem, I yield up my 25
authority over it, and give it to the high priest, that
he may set in it such men as he shall choose to keep
it. Moreover I freely set at liberty every one of the
Jews, that were carried captives out of the land of
55
Ch. 10 ; Ver. 33-41. ^ First Book
Demetrius Judea into any part of my kingdom, and / lui/I that
an^ all my officers remit the tributes even of their cattle.
Jonathan Furtiiermore I 'will that all the feasts, and sabbaths,
and new moons, and solemn days, and the three days
5 before the feast, and the three days after the feast,
shall be all days of immunity and freedom for all the
Jews in my realm. Also no man shall have authority
to. meddle 'with them, or to molest any of them in any
matter. / 'will further, that there be enrolled among
10 the king's forces about thirty thousand men of the
Jews, unto whom pay shall be given, as belongeth to
all the king's forces. And of them some shall be
placed in the king's strong holds, of whom also some
shall be set over the affairs of the kingdom, which
15 are of trust : and / 'will that their overseers and
governors be of themselves, and that they live after
their own laws, even as the king hath commanded in
the land of Judea. And concerning the three
governments that are added to Judea from the country
20 of Samaria, let them be joined with Judea, that they
may be reckoned to be under one, nor bound to obey
other authority than the high priest's. As for Ptole-
mais, and the land pertaining thereto, I give it as a
free gift to the sanctuary at Jerusalem for the necessary
25 expences of the sanctuary. Moreover I give every
year fifteen thousand shekels of silver out of the
king's accounts from the places appertaining. And
all the overplus, which the officers paid not in as in
former time, from henceforth shall be given toward
s6
of Maccabees ^ Ch. lo ; Ver. 41-50.
the works of the temple. And beside this, the five Jonathan
thousand shekels of silver, which they took from the repudiates
uses of the temple out of the accounts year by year, Demetrius
even those things shall be released, because they
appertain to the priests that minister. And whosoever 5
they be that flee unto the temple at Jerusalem, or be
within the liberties thereof, being indebted unto the
king, or for any other matter, let them be at liberty,
and all that they have in my realm. For the build-
ing also and repairing of the works of the sanctuary 10
expences shall be given of the king's accounts. Yea,
and for the building of the walls of Jerusalem, and
the fortifying thereof round about, expences shall be
given out of the king's accounts, as also for the
building of the walls in Judea. 15
Now when Jonathan and the people heard these
words, they gave no credit unto them, nor received
them, because they remembered the great evil that he
had done in Israel ; for he had afflicted them very
sore. But with Alexander they were well pleased, 20
because he was the first that entreated of true peace
with them, and they were confederate with him
always. Then gathered king Alexander great forces,
and camped over against Demetrius. And after the
two kings had joined battle, Demetrius' host fled : 25
but Alexander followed after him, and prevailed
against them. And he continued the battle very
sore until the sun went down : and that day was
Demetrius slain.
Ch. 10 ; Ver. 51-60. "^ First Book
Jonathan Afterward Alexander sent ambassadors to Ptolemee
meets king of Egypt with a message to this effect : foras-
Alexander much as I am come again to my realm, and am set
and in the throne of my progenitors, and have gotten the
Ptolemy dominion, and overthrown Demetrius, and recovered
our country ; for after I had joined battle with him,
both he and his host was discomfited by us, so that
we sit in the throne of his kingdom : now therefore
let us make a league of amity together, and give me
10 now thy daughter to wife : and I will be thy son in
law, and will give both thee and her gifts according
to thy dignity.
Then Ptolemee the king gave answer, saying,
Happy be the day wherein thou didst return into the
IS land of thy fathers, and satest in the throne of their
kingdom. And now will I do to tJiee, as thou hast
written : meet me therefore at Ptolemais, that we
may see one another ; for I will marry my daughter
to thee according to thy desire. So Ptolemee went
20 out of Egypt with his daughter Cleopatra, and they
came unto Ptolemais in the hundred threescore and
second year : where king Alexander meeting him.,
he gave unto him his daughter Cleopatra, and
celebrated her marriage at Ptolemais with great
25 glory, as the manner of kings is.
Now king Alexander had written unto Jonathan,
that he should come and meet him. Who thereupon
went honourably to Ptolemais, where he met the two
kings, and gave them and their friends silver and
53
of Maccabees ^ Ch, lo; Ver. 60-70.
gold, and many presents, and found favour in their Letter of
sight. At that time certain pestilent fellows of Demetrius
Israel, men of a wicked life, assembled themselves the
against him, to accuse him: but the king would not Tounger
hear them. Yea more than that, the king com- 5
manded to take off his garments, and clothe him in
purple : and they did so. Also he made him sit by
himself, and said unto his princes, Go with him into
the midst of the city, and make proclamation, that
no man complain against him of any matter, and 10
that no man trouble him for any manner of cause.
Now when his accusers saw that he was honoured
according to the proclamation, and clothed in
purple, they fled all away. So the king honoured him,
and wrote him among his chief friends, and made 15
him a duke, and partaker of his dominion. After-
ward Jonathan returned to Jerusalem with peace and
gladness.
Furthermore in the hundred threescore and fifth
year came Demetrius son of Demetrius out of Crete 20
into the land of his fathers : whereof when king
Alexander heard tell, he was right sorry, and re-
turned into Antioch. Then Demetrius made
Apollonius the governor of Celosyria his general,
who gathered together a great host, and camped in 23
Jamnia, and sent unto Jonathan the high priest, saying.
Thou alone liftest up thyself against us, and I am
laughed to scorn for thy sake, and reproached : and
why dost thou vaunt thy power against us in the
59
Ch. 10 ; Ver. 70-80. ^ First Boolc
"Jonathan moutitains ? Now therefore, if thou trustest in thine
captures own strength, come down to us into the plain field,
Jappa and there let us try the matter together : for with me
is the power of the cities. Ask and learn who I am,
5 and the rest that take our part, and they shall tell
thee that thy foot is not able to stand before our
face ; for thy fathers have been twice put to flight
in their own land. Wherefore now thou shalt not
be able to abide the horsemen and so great a power
10 in the plain, where is neither stone nor flint, nor
place to flee unto.
So when Jonathan heard these words of Apollonius,
he was moved in his mind, and choosing ten
thousand men he went out of Jerusalem, where
15 Simon his brother met him for to help him. And
he pitched his tents against Joppe : but they of
Joppe shut him out of the city, because Apollonius
had a garrison there. Then Jonathan laid siege unto
it : whereupon they of the city let him in for fear :
20 and so Jonathan won Joppe. Whereof when
Apollonius heard, he took three thousand horsemen,
with a great host of footmen, and went to Azotus as
one that journeyed, and therewithal drew him forth
into the plain, because he had a great number of
85 horsemen, in whom he put his trust. Then Jonathan
followed after him to Azotus, where the armies joined
battle.
Now Apollonius had left a thousand horsemen in
ambush. And Jonathan knew that there was an
60
of Maccabees ^ Ch. ii ; ver. 1-2.
ambushment behind him ; for they had compassed in Jonathan
his host, and cast darts at the people, from morning defeats
till evening. But the people stood still, as Jonathan Demetrius
had commanded them : and so the enemies' horses
were tired. Then brought Simon forth his host, and 5
set them against the footmen, (for the horsemen were
spent,) who were discomfited by him, and fled. The
horsemen also, being scattered in the field, fled to
Azotus, and went into Beth-dagon, their idol's
temple, for safety. But Jonathan set fire on Azotus, 10
and the cities round about it, and took their spoils ;
and the temple of Dagon, with them that were fled
into it, he burned with fire. Thus there were burned
and slain with the sword well nigh eight thousand
men. And from thence Jonathan removed his host, 15
and camped against Ascalon, where the men of the
city came forth, and met him with great pomp.
After this returned Jonathan and his host unto
Jerusalem, having many spoils. Now when king
Alexander heard these things, he honoured Jonathan 20
yet more, and sent him a buckle of gold, as the
use is to be given to such as are of the king's blood :
he gave him also Accaron with the borders thereof
in possession.
* And the king of Egypt gathered together a great 25
host, like the sand that lieth upon the sea shore, and
many ships, and went about through deceit to get
Alexander's kingdom, and join it to his own.
Whereupon he took his journey into Syria in peace-
61
Ch. II ; Ver. 2-12. ^ First Book
'Jonathan able manner, so as they of the cities opened unto
and him, and met him : for king Alexander had com-
Ptolemy manded them so to do, because he was his father in
law. Now as Ptolemee entered into the cities, he
5 set in every one of them a garrison of soldiers to
keep it. And when he came near to Azotus, they
shewed him the temple of Dagon that was burnt,
and Azotus and the suburbs thereof that were
destroyed, and the bodies that were cast abroad, and
10 them that he had burnt in the battle ; for they had
made heaps of them by the way where he should
pass. Also they told the king whatsoever Jonathan
had done, to the intent he might blame him : but the
king held his peace.
15 Then Jonathan met the king with great pomp at
Joppe, where they saluted one another, and lodged.
Afterward Jonathan, when he had gone with the
king to the river called Eleutherus, returned again to
Jerusalem. King Ptolemee therefore, having gotten
20 the dominion of the cities by the sea unto Seleucia
upon the sea coast, imagined wicked counsels against
Alexander. Whereupon he sent ambassadors unto
king Demetrius, saying. Come, let us make a league
betwixt us, and I will give thee my daughter whom
25 Alexander hath, and thou shalt reign in thy father's
kingdom : for I repent that I gave my daughter unto
him, for he sought to slay me. Thus did he slander
him, because he was desirous of his kingdom.
Wherefore he took his daughter from him, and gave
of Maccabees 5^ Ch. n ; Ver. 12-23.
her to Demetrius, and forsook Alexander, so that Slaughter
their hatred was openly known. of
Then Ptolemee entered into Antioch, where he Alexander
set two crowns upon his head, the crown of Asia,
and of Egypt. In the mean season was king 5
Alexander in Cilicia, because those that dwelt in
those parts had revolted from him. But when
Alexander heard of this, he came to war against him :
whereupon king Ptolemee brought forth his host, and
met him with a mighty power, and put him to flight. 10
So Alexander fled into Arabia, there to be defended ;
but king Ptolemee was exalted : for Zabdiel the
Arabian took off Alexander's head, and sent it unto
Ptolemee. King Ptolemee also died the third day
after, and they that were in the strong holds were 15
slain one of another. By this means Demetrius
reigned in the hundred threescore and seventh
year.
At the same time Jonathan gathered together them
that were in Judea, to take the tower that was in 20
Jerusalem : and he made many engines of war
against it. Then certain ungodly persons, who hated
their own people, went unto the king, and told him
that Jonathan besieged the tower. Whereof when
he heard, he was angry, and immediately removing, 25
he came to Ptolemais, and wrote unto Jonathan, that he
should not lay siege to the tower, but come and speak
with him at Ptolemais in great haste. Nevertheless,
Jonathan, when he heard this, commanded to besiege
63
Ch. II ; Ver. 23-34- ^ First Book
Demetrius it still : and he chose certain of the elders of Israel
honours and the priests, and put himself in peril ; and took
Jonathan silver and gold, and raiment, and divers presents
besides, and went to Ptolemais unto the king, where
5 he found favour in his sight. And though certain
ungodly men of the people had made complaints
against him, yet the king entreated him as his pre-
decessors had done before, and promoted him in the
sight of all his friends, and confirmed him in the high
lo priesthood, and in all the honours that he had before,
and gave him preeminence among his chief friends.
Then Jonathan desired the king, that he would make
Judea free from tribute, as also the three governments,
with the country of Samaria ; and he promised him
IS three hundred talents.
So the king consented, and wrote letters unto
Jonathan of all these things after this manner : King
Demetrius unto his brother Jonathan, and unto the
nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting : we send you
20 here a copy of the letter which we did write unto
our cousin Lasthenes concerning you, that ye might
see it. King Demetrius unto his father Lasthenes
sendeth greeting : we are determined to do good to
the people of the Jews, who are our friends, and keep
25 covenants with us, because of their good will toward
us. Wherefore we have ratified unto them the borders
of Judea, with the three governments of Apherema
and Lydda and Ramathem, that are added unto
Judea from the country of Samaria, and all things
64
of Maccabees 5^ Ch. ii ; Ver. 34-41.
appertaining unto them, for all such as do sacrifice in Tryphon
Jerusalem, instead of the payments which the Vm^ plots
received of them yearly aforetime out of the fruits oi against
the earth and of trees. And as for other things that Demetrius
belong unto us, of the tithes and customs pertaining 5
unto us, as also the saltpits, and the crown taxes,
which are due unto us, we discharge them of them all
for their relief. And nothing hereof shall be revoked
from this time forth for ever. Now therefore see that
thou make a copy of these things, and let it be de- 10
livered unto Jonathan, and set upon the holy mount
in a conspicuous place.
After this, when king Demetrius saw that the land
was quiet before him, and that no resistance was made
against him, he sent away all his forces, every one to 15
his own place, except certain bands of strangers,
whom he had gathered from the isles of the heathen :
wherefore all the forces of his fathers hated him.
Moreover there was one Tryphon, that had been of
Alexander's part afore, who, seeing that all the host 20
murmured against Demetrius, went to Simalcue the
Arabian, that brought up Antiochus the young son of
Alexander, and lay sore upon him to deliver him this
young Antiochus, that he might reign in his father's
stead : he told him therefore all that Demetrius had 25
done, and how his men of war were at enmity with
him, and there he remained a long season.
In the mean time Jonathan sent unto king
Demetrius, that he would cast those of the tower out
6s
Ch. II ; Ver. 41-51. ^ First Book
Jonathan of Jerusalem, and those also in the fortresses : for
assists they fought against Israel. So Demetrius sent unto
Demetrius Jonathan, saying, I will not only do this for thee
and thy people, but I will greatly honour thee and
5 thy nation, if opportunity serve. Now therefore thou
shalt do well, if thou send me men to help me ; for
all my forces are gone from me. Upon this Jonathan
sent him three thousand strong men unto Antioch :
and when they came to the king, the king was very
10 glad of their coming. Howbeit they that were of
the city gathered themselves together into the midst
of the city, to the number of an hundred and twenty
thousand men, and would have slain the king.
Wherefore the king fled into the court, but they of
13 the city kept the passages of the city, and began to
fight.
Then the king called to the Jews for help, who
came unto him all at once, and dispersing themselves
through the city slew that day in the city to the
20 number of an hundred thousand. Also they set fire
on the city, and gat many spoils that day, and
delivered the king. So when they of the city saw
that the Jews had got the city as they would, their
courage was abated : wherefore they made supplica-
2s tion to the king, and cried, saying,
Grant us peace, and let the Jews cease from
assaulting us and the city. With that they castaway
their weapons, and made peace ; and the Jews were
honoured in the sight of the king, and in the sight ot
of Maccabees 5^ Ch. n ; ver. 51-61.
all that were in his realm ; and they returned to Demetrius
Jerusalem, having great spoils. So king Demetrius alienating
sat on the throne of his kingdom, and the land was yonathan
quiet before him. Nevertheless he dissembled in all is defeated
that ever he spake, and estranged himself from 5
Jonathan, neither rewarded he him according to the
benefits which he had received of him, but troubled
him very sore. After this returned Tryphon, and
with him the young child Antiochus who reigned,
and was crowned. lo
Then there gathered unto him all the men of war,
whom Demetrius had put away, and they fought
against Demetrius, who turned his back and fled.
Moreover Tryphon took the elephants, and won
Antioch. At that time young Antiochus wrote 15
unto Jonathan, saying, I confirm thee in the high
priesthood, and appoint thee ruler over the four
governments, and to be one of the king's friends.
Upon this he sent him golden vessels to be served in,
and gave him leave to drink in gold, and to be clothed ao
in purple, and to wear a golden buckle. His brother
Simon also he made captain from the place called
The ladder of Tyrus unto the borders of Egypt.
Then Jonathan went forth, and passed through the
cities beyond the water, and all the forces of Syria 25
gathered themselves unto him for to help him : and
when he came to Ascalon, they of the city met him
honourably. From whence he went to Gaza, but
they of Gaza shut him out ; wherefore he laid siege
67
Ch. II ; Ver. 61-72. ^ First Book
yonathan's unto it, and burned the suburbs thereof with fire, and
Heroism spoiled them. Afterward, when they of Gaza made
supplication unto Jonathan, he made peace with them,
and took the sons of their chief men for hostages, and
3 sent them to Jerusalem, and passed through the country
unto Damascus.
Now when Jonathan heard that Demetrius' princes
were come to Cades, which is in Galilee, with a great
power, purposing to remove him out of the country,
10 he went to meet them, and left Simon his brother in
the country. Then Simon encamped against Beth-
sura, and fought against it a long season, and shut it
up : but they desired to have peace with him, which
he granted them, and then put them out from thence,
15 and took the city, and set a garrison in it. As for
Jonathan and his host, they pitched at the water of
Gennesar, from whence betimes in the morning they
gat them to the plain of Nazor.
And, behold, the host of strangers met them in the
20 plain, who, having laid men in ambush for him in the
mountains, came themselves over against him. So
when they that lay in ambush rose out of their places,
and joined battle, ail that were of Jonathan's side
fled ; insomuch as there was not one of them left,
25 except Mattathias the son of Absalom, and Judas the
son of Calphi, the captains of the host. Then
Jonathan rent his clothes, and cast earth upon his
head, and prayed. Afterwards turning again to
battle, he put them to flight, and so they ran away.
68
of Maccabees 5^ Ch. la; Ver. i-8.
Now when his own men that were fled saw this, they jfonathans
turned again unto him, and with him pursued them to Alliance
Cades, even unto their own tents, and there they 'with Rome
camped. So there were slain of the heathen that day ^ Lace-
about three thousand men : but Jonathan returned to damon
Jerusalem.
* Now when Jonathan saw that the time served him,
he chose certain men, and sent them to Rome, for to
confirm and renew the friendship that they had with
them. He sent letters also to the Lacedemonians, to
and to other places, for the same purpose. So they
went unto Rome, and entered into the senate, and
said, Jonathan the high priest, and the people of the
Jews, sent us unto you, to the end ye should renew
the friendship, which ye had with them, and league, 15
as in former time. Upon this the Romans gave them
letters unto the governors of every place, that they
should bring them into tlie land of Judea peaceably.
And this is the copy of the letters which Jonathan
wrote to the Lacedemonians : 20
Jonathan the high priest, and the elders of the
nation, and the priests, and the other people of the
Jews, unto the Lacedemonians their brethren send
greeting : There were letters sent in times past unto
Onias the high priest from Darius, who reigned then ^s
among you, to signify that ye are our brethren, as the
copy here underwritten doth specify. At which
time Onias entreated the ambassador that was sent
honourably, and received the letters, wherein declara-
G 69
Ch. 12 ; Ver. 8-19. ^ First Book
Letter to tion was made of the league and friendship. There-
the Lace- fore we also, albeit we need none of these things, for
damonians that we have the holy books of scripture in our hands
to comfort us, have nevertheless attempted to send
5 unto you for the renewing of brotherhood and friend-
ship, lest we should become strangers unto you
altogether : for there is a long time passed since ye
sent unto us. We therefore at all times without
ceasing, both in our feasts, and other convenient days,
10 do remember you in the sacrifices which we offer,
and in our prayers, as reason is, and as it becometh
us to think upon our brethren : and we are right glad
of your honour. As for ourselves, we have had great
troubles and wars on every side, forsomuch as the
15 kings that are round about us have fought against us.
Howbeit we would not be troublesome unto you, nor
to others of our confederates and friends, in these
wars : for we have help from heaven that succoureth
us, so as we are delivered from our enemies, and our
20 enemies are brought under foot. For this cause we
chose Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater
the son of Jason, and sent them unto the Romans, to
renew the amity that we had with them, and the
former league. We commanded them also to go unto
25 you, and to salute you, and to deliver you our letters con-
cerning the renewing of our brotherhood. Wherefore
now ye shall do well to give us an answer thereto.
And this is the copy of the letters which Oniares
sent.
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 12; Ver. 20-31.
Areus king of the Lacedemonians to Onias the Reply of
high priest, greeting : It is found in writing, that the the Lace-
Lacederaonians and Jews are brethren, and that they damonians
are of the stock of Abraham : now therefore, since
this is come to our knowledge, ye shall do well to 5
write unto us of your prosperity. We do write back
again to you, that your cattle and goods are our's,
and our's are your's. We do command therefore
eur ambassadors to make report unto you on this
wise. 10
Now when Jonathan heard that Demetrius' princes
were come to fight against him with a greater host
than afore, he removed from Jerusalem, and met them
in the land of Amathis : for he gave them no respite
to enter his country. He sent spies also unto their 15
tents, who came again, and told him that they were
appointed to come upon them in the night season.
Wherefore so soon as the sun was down, Jonathan
commanded his men to watch, and to be in arms,
that all the night long they might be ready to fight : 20
also he sent forth centinels round about the host. But
when the adversaries heard that Jonathan and his men
were ready for battle, they feared, and trembled in
their hearts, and they kindled fires in their camp.
Howbeit Jonathan and his company knew it not till 25
the morning : for they saw the lights burning.
Then Jonathan pursued after them, but overtook
them not : for they were gone over the river Eleu-
therus. Wherefore Jonathan turned to the Arabians,
Ch. 12 ; Ver. 31-41- "^^ First Book
Tryphon's who were called Zabadeans, and smote them, and
Plot took their spoils. And removing thence, he came
against to Damascus, and so passed through all the country.
Jonathan Simon also went forth, and passed through the
5 country unto Ascalon, and the holds there adjoining,
from whence he turned aside to Joppe, and won it.
For he had heard that they would deliver the hold
unto them that took Demetrius' part ; wherefore he
set a garrison there to keep it.
10 After this came Jonathan home again, and calling
the elders of the people together, he consulted with
them about building strong holds in Judea, and
making the walls of Jerusalem higher, and raising a
great mount between the tower and the city, for to
IS separate it from the city, that so it might be alone,
that men might neither sell nor buy in it. Upon
this they came together to build up the city, foras-
much as part of the wall toward the brook on the
east side was fallen down, and they repaired that
2o which was called Caphenatha. Simon also set up
Adida in Sephela, and made it strong with gates and
bars.
Now Tryphon went about to get the kingdom of
Asia, and to kill Antiochus the king, that he might
25 set the crown upon his own head. Howbeit he was
afraid that Jonathan would not suffer him, and that
he would fight against him ; wherefore he sought a
way how to take Jonathan, that he might kill him. So
he removed, and came to Bethsan. Then Jonathan
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 12 ; Ver. 41-50.
went out to meet him with forty thousand men chosen Capture of
for the battle, and came to Bethsan. Jonathan
Now when Tryphon saw that Jonathan came
with so great a force, he durst not stretch his hand
against him ; but received him honourably, and com- 5
mended him unto all his friends, and gave him gifts,
and commanded his men of war to be as obedient
unto him, as to himself. Unto Jonathan also he
said, Why hast thou put all this people to so great
trouble, seeing there is no war betwixt us ? There- 10
fore send them now home again, and choose a few
men to wait on thee, and come thou with me to
Ptolemais, for I will give it thee, and the rest of the
strong holds and forces, and all that have any charge :
as for me, I will return and depart : for this is the 15
cause of my coming. So Jonathan believing him did
as he bade him, and sent away his host, who went
into the land of Judea. And with himself he re-
tained but three thousand men, of whom he sent two
thousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with 20
him.
Now as soon as Jonathan entered into Ptolemais,
they of Ptolemais shut the gates, and took him, and
all them that came with him they slew with the
sword. Then sent Tryphon an host of footmen and 25
horsemen into Galilee, and into the great plain, to
destroy all Jonathan's company. But when they
knew that Jonathan and they that were with him
were taken and slain, they encouraged one another,
73
Ch. 13; Ver. 1-7. ^ First Book
Simon and went close together, prepared to fight. They
Maccabeus therefore that followed upon them, perceiving that
succeeds as they were ready to fight for their lives, turned back
Leader again. Whereupon they all came into the land of
5 Judea peaceably, and there they bewailed Jonathan,
and them that were with him, and they were sore
afraid ; wherefore all Israel made great lamentation.
Then all the heathen that were round about them
sought to destroy them : for said they, They have no
lo captain, nor any to help them : now therefore let us
make war upon them, and take away their memorial
from among men.
* Now when Simon heard that Tryphon had
gathered together a great host to invade the land of
J5 Judea, and destroy it, and saw that the people was in
great trembling and fear, he went up to Jerusalem,
and gathered the people together, and gave them
exhortation, saying. Ye yourselves know what great
things I, and my brethren, and my father's house,
20 have done for the laws and the sanctuary, the battles
also and troubles which we have seen, by reason
whereof all my brethren are slain for Israel's sake,
and I am left alone. Now therefore be it far from
me, that I should spare mine own life in any time
25 of trouble : for I am no better than my brethren.
Doubtless I will avenge my nation, and the sanctuary,
and our wives, and our children : for all the heathen
are gathered to destroy us of very malice.
Now as soon as the people heard these words,
74
of Maccabees 5^ Ch. 13 : Ver. 7-19.
their spirit revived. And they answered with a loud Tryphon'i
voice, saying, Thou shalt be our leader instead of Renenued
Judas and Jonathan thy brother. Fight thou our Deceit
battles, and whatsoever thou commandest us, that
will we do. So then he gathered together all the 5
men of war, and made haste to finish the walls of
Jerusalem, and he fortified it round about. Also he
sent Jonathan the son of Absalom, and with him
a great power, to Joppe : who casting out them that
were therein remained there in it. 10
So Tryphon removed from Ptolemais with a great
power to invade the land of Judea, and Jonathan was
with him in ward. But Simon pitched his tents at
Adida, over against the plain. Now when Tryphon
knew that Simon was risen up instead of his brother 13
Jonathan, and meant to join battle with him, he sent
messengers unto him, saying. Whereas we have
Jonathan thy brother in hold, it is for money that he
is owing unto the king's treasure, concerning the
business that was committed unto him. Wherefore 20
now send an hundred talents of silver, and two of
his sons for hostages, that when he is at liberty he
may not revolt from us, and we will let him go.
Hereupon Simon, albeit he perceived that they
spake deceitfully unto him, yet sent he the money 25
and the children, lest peradventure he should procure
to himself great hatred of the people : who might have
said. Because I sent him not the money and the
children, therefore is Jonathan dead. So he seat
75
Ch. 13; Ver. i9-2g. ^ First Book
Death o/"them the children and the hundred talents : howbeit
Jonathan Tryphon dissembled, neither would he let Jonathan
go. And after this came Tryphon to invade the
land, and destroy it, going round about by the way
5 that leadeth unto Adora : but Simon and his host
marched against him in every place, wheresoever he
went. Now they that were in the tower sent
messengers unto Tryphon, to the end that he should
hasten his coming unto them by the wilderness, and
10 send them victuals. Wherefore Tryphon made
ready all his horsemen to come that night : but there
fell a very great snow, by reason whereof he came
not. So he departed, and came into the country of
Galaad. And when he came near to Bascama, he
15 slew Jonathan, who was buried there. Afterward
Tryphon returned and went into his own land.
Then sent Simon, and took the bones of Jonathan
his brother, and buried them in Modin, the city of
his fathers. And all Israel made great lamentation
20 for him, and bewailed him many days. Simon also
built a monument upon the sepulchre of his father
and his brethren, and raised it aloft to the sight,
with hewn stone behind and before. Moreover he
set up seven pyramids, one against another, for his
25 father, and his mother, and his four brethren. And
in these he made cunning devices, about the which
he set great pillars, and upon the pillars he made
all their armour for a perpetual memory, and by
the armour ships carved, that they might be seen of
76
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 13 ; Ver. 29-40.
all that sail on the sea. This is the sepulchre Simon sends
which he made at Modin, and it standeth yet unto to Demet~
this day. rlus
Now Tryphon dealt deceitfully with the young
king Antiochus, and slew him. And he reigned in 5
his stead, and crowned himself king of Asia, and
brought a great calamity upon the land. Then
Simon built up the strong holds in Judea, and fenced
them about with high towers, and great walls,
and gates, and bars, and laid up victuals therein. 10
Moreover Simon chose men, and sent to king
Demetrius, to the end he should give the land an
immunity, because all that Tryphon did was to
spoil. Unto whom king Demetrius answered and
wrote after this manner : 15
King Demetrius unto Simon the high priest, and
friend of kings, as also unto the elders and nation
of the Jews, sendeth greeting : The golden crown,
and the scarlet robe, which ye sent unto us, we have
received : and we are ready to make a stedfast peace 20
with you, yea, and to write unto our officers, to
confirm the immunities which we have granted.
And whatsoever covenants we have made with you
shall stand ; and the strong holds, which ye have
builded, shall be your own. As for any oversight or 25
fault committed unto this day, we forgive it, and the
crown tax also, which ye owe us : and if there were
any other tribute paid in Jerusalem, it shall no more
be paid. And look who are meet among you to be
Ch. 13; Ver. 40-49. ^ First Book
Simon in our court, let them be enrolled, and let there be
becomes peace betwixt us. Thus the yoke of the heathen
High was taken away from Israel in the hundred and
Priest seventieth year. Then the people of Israel began
5 to write in their instruments and contracts, In the
first year of Simon the high priest, the governor and
leader of the Jews.
. In those days Simon camped against Gaza, and
besieged it round about ; he made also an engine of
10 war, and set it by the city, and battered a certain
tower, and took it. And they that were in the
engine leaped into the city ; whereupon there was
a great uproar in the city : insomuch as the people
of the city rent their clothes, and climbed upon the
15 walls with their wives and children, and cried with
a loud voice, beseeching Simon to grant them peace.
And they said, Deal not with us according to our
wickedness, but according to thy mercy. So Simon
was appeased toward them, and fought no more
20 against them, but put them out of the city, and
cleansed the houses wherein the idols were, and
so entered into it with songs and thanksgiving.
Yea, he put all uncleanness out of it, and
placed such men there as would keep the law,
25 and made it stronger than it was before, and
built therein a dwelling place for himself. They
also of the tower in Jerusalem were kept so strait,
that they could neither come forth, nor go into the
country, nor buv, nor sell : wherefore they were
73
of Maccabees ^o» Ch. 14; Ver. 1-4.
in great distress for want of victuals, and a great Simon
number of them perished through famine. Then makes John
cried they to Simon, beseeching him to be at one Captain
with them : which thing he granted them ; and
when he had put them out from thence, he cleansed s
the tower from pollutions : and entered into it the
three and twentieth day of the second month, in the
hundred seventy and first year, with thanksgiving,
and branches of palm trees, and with harps, and
cymbals, and with viols, and hymns, and songs : be- *°
cause there was destroyed a great enemy out of
Israel. He ordained also that that day should be
kept every year with gladness. Moreover the hill
of the temple that was by the tower he made stronger
than it was, and there he dwelt himself with his is
company. And when Simon saw that John his son
was a valiant man, he made him captain of all the
hosts ; and he dwelt in Gazara.
* Now in the hundred threescore and twelfth year
king Demetrius gathered his forces together, and 20
went into Media, to get him help to fight against
Tryphon. But when Arsaces, the king of Persia
and Media, heard that Demetrius was entered within
his borders, he sent one of his princes to take him
alive : who went and smote the host of Demetrius, 2s
and took him, and brought him to Arsaces, by whom
he was put in ward.
As for the land of Judea, that was quiet all the
days of Simon ; for he sought the good of his
79
Ch. 14 ; Ver. 4-16. '^5' First Book
Simon's nation in such wise, as that evermore his authority
Wise Rule and honour pleased them well. And as he was
honourable in all his acts, so in this, that he took
Joppe for an haven, and made an entrance to the isles
5 of the sea, and enlarged the bounds of his nation,
and recovered the country, and gathered together a
great number of captives, and had the dominion of
Gazara, and Bethsura, and the tower, out of the
which he took all uncleanness, neither was there any
lo that resisted him. Then did they till their ground
in peace, and the earth gave her increase, and the
trees of the field their fruit. The ancient men sat
all in the streets, communing together of good things,
and the young men put on glorious and warlike
13 apparel. He provided victuals for the cities, and set
in them all manner of munition, so that his honourable
name was renowned unto the end of the world. He
made peace in the land, and Israel rejoiced with
great joy :
20 For every man sat under his vine and his fig tree,
and there was none to fray them : neither was there
any left in the land to fight against them : yea, the
kings themselves were overthrown in those days.
Moreover he strengthened all those of his people
25 that were brought low : the law he searched out ;
and every contemner of the law and wicked person
he took away. He beautified the sanctuary, and
multiplied the vessels of the temple.
Now when it was heard at Rome, and as far as
80
of Maccabees 5^ Ch. 14; Ver. 16-25.
Sparta, that Jonathan was dead, they were very Rome ^
sorry. But as soon as they heard that his brother Sparta
Simon was made high priest in his stead, and ruled reneiv the
the country, and the cities therein : they wrote unto League
him in tables of brass, to renew the friendship and 5
league which they had made with Judas and
Jonathan his brethren : which writings were read
before the congregation at Jerusalem.
And this is the copy of the letters that the
Lacedemonians sent ; the rulers of the Lacedemonians, 10
with the city, unto Simon the high priest, and the
elders, and priests, and residue of the people of the
Jews, our brethren, send greeting : The ambassadors
that were sent unto our people certified us of your
glory and honour : wherefore we were glad of their 15
coming, and did register the things that they spake
in the counsel of the people in this manner ; Numenius
son of Antiochus, and Antipater son of Jason, the
Jews' ambassadors, came unto us to renew the
friendship they had with us. And it pleased the 20
people to entertain the men honourably, and to put
the copy of their ambassage in publick records, to the
end the people of the Lacedemonians might have a
memorial thereof: furthermore we have written a
copy thereof unto Simon the high priest. 23
After this Simon sent Numenius to Rome with a
great shield of gold of a thousand pound weight, to
confirm the league with them. Whereof when the
people heard, they said, What thanks shall we give
Ch. 14 ; Ver. 25-34- ^ First Book
The to Simon and his sons ? for he and his brethren and
People' s the house of his father have established Israel, and
Tribute to chased away in fight their enemies from them, and
the Macca- f^ovArmtd. their liberty. So then they wrote It in
bees tables of brass, which they set upon pillars in mount
Sion : and this is the copy of the writing ; The
eighteenth day of the month Elul, in the hundred
threescore and twelfth year, being the third year of
Simon the high priest, at Saramel in the great con-
ic gregation of the priests, and people, and rulers of the
nation, and elders of the country, were these things
notified unto us. Forasmuch as oftentimes there
have been wars in the country, wherein for the
maintenance of their sanctuary, and the law, Simon
15 the son of Mattathias, of the posterity of Jarib,
together with his brethren, put themselves in jeopardy,
and resisting the enemies of their nation did their
nation great honour : (for after that Jonathan, having
gathered his nation together, and been their high
20 priest, was added to his people, their enemies purposed
to invade their country, that they might destroy it,
and lay hands on the sanctuary : at which time Simon
rose up, and fought for his nation, and spent much of
his own substance, and armed the valiant men of his
25 nation, and gave them wages, and fortified the cities
of Judea, together with Bethsura, that lieth upon the
borders of Judea, where the armour of the enemies
had been before ; but he set a garrison of Jews
there : moreover he fortified Joppe, which lieth upon
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 14 ; Ver. 34-4^
the sea, and Gazara, that bordereth upon Azotus, The
where the enemies had dwelt before : but he placed People's
Jews there, and furnished them with all things con- Tribute to
venient for the reparation thereof.) the Macca-
The people therefore, seeing the acts of Simon, lees
and unto what glory he thought to bring his nation,
made him their governor and chief priest, because he
had done all these things, and for the justice and
faith which he kept to his nation, and for that he
sought by all means to exalt his people. For in his 10
time things prospered in his hands, so that the heathen
were taken out of their country, and they also that
were in the city of David in Jerusalem, who had
made themselves a tower, out of which they issued,
and polluted all about the sanctuary, and did much 15
hurt in the holy place : but he placed Jews therein,
and fortified it for the safety of the country and the
city, and raised up the walls of Jerusalem. King
Demetrius also confirmed him in the high priesthood
according to those things, and made him one of his 20
friends, and honoured him with great honour. For
he had heard say, that the Romans had called the
Jews their friends and confederates and brethren ;
and that they had entertained the ambassadors of
Simon honourably ; also that the Jews and priests 25
were well pleased that Simon should be their
governor and high priest for ever, until there should
arise a faithful prophet ; moreover that he should be
their captain, and should take charge of the sanctuary,
83
Ch. is;Ver. 1-2. ^ First Book
Aniiochus to set them over their works, and over the country,
ivr'ites to and over the armour, and over the fortresses, that, /
Simon say, he should take charge of the sanctuary ; beside
this, that he should be obeyed of every man, and
5 that all the writings in the country should be made in
his name, and that he should be clothed in purple, and
wear gold : also that it should be lawful for none of
the people or priests to break any of these things, or
to gainsay his words, or to gather an assembly in the
10 country without him, or to be clothed in purple, or
wear a buckle of gold : and whosoever should do
otherwise, or break any of these things, he should be
punished.
Thus it liked all the people to deal with Simon,
IS and to do as hath been said. Then Simon accepted
hereof, and was well pleased to be high priest, and
captain and governor of the Jews and priests, and to
defend them all. So they commanded that this
writing should be put in tables of brass, and that they
ao should be set up within the compass of the sanctuary
in a conspicuous place ; also that the copies thereof
should be laid up in the treasury, to the end that
Simon and his sons might have them.
* Moreover Antiochus son of Demetrius the king
25 sent letters from the isles of the sea unto Simon the
priest and prince of the Jews, and to all the people ;
the contents whereof were these :
King Antiochus to Simon the high priest and
prince of his nation, and to the people of the Jews,
84
of Maccabees ^^ Ch. 15; Ver. 2-12.
greeting : Forasmuch as certain pestilent men have Antlochus
usurped the kingdom of our fathers, and my purpose attacks
is to challenge it again, that I may restore it to the Tryphon
old estate, and to that end have gathered a multitude
of foreign soldiers together, and prepared ships of war ; 5
my meaning also being to go through the country,
that I may be avenged of them that have destroyed
it, and made many cities in the kingdom desolate :
now therefore I confirm unto thee all the oblations
which the kings before me granted thee, and what- 1°
soever gifts besides they granted. I give thee leave
also to coin money for thy country with thine own
stamp. And as concerning Jerusalem and the
sanctuary, let them be free ; and all the armour that
thou hast made, and fortresses that thou hast built, 15
and keepest in thine hands, let them remain unto
thee. And if any thing be, or shall be, owing to the
king, let it be forgiven thee from this time forth for
evermore. Furthermore, when we have obtained our
kingdom, we will honour thee, and thy nation, and 20
thy temple, with great honour, so that your honour
shall be known throughout the world.
In the hundred threescore and fourteenth year
went Antiochus into the land of his fathers : at
which time all the forces came together unto him, so 25
that few were left with Tryphon. Wherefore being
pursued by king Antiochus, he fled unto Dora, which
lieth by the sea side : for he saw that troubles came
upon him all at once, and that his forces had forsaken
H 83
Ch. IS ; Ver. 12-23, ^ First Book
^nt'iochus him. Then camped Antiochus against Dora, having
encamps with him an hundred and twenty thousand men of
against war, and eight thousand horsemen. And when he
Dora had compassed the city round about, and joined
5 ships close to the town on the sea side, he vexed
the city by land and by sea, neither suffered he any
to go out or in.
. In the mean season came Numenius and his com-
pany from Rome, having letters to the kings and
10 countries ; wherein were written these things :
Lucius, consul of the Romans unto king Ptolemee,
greeting : The Jews' ambassadors, our friends and
confederates, came unto us to renew the old friend-
ship and league, being sent from Simon the high
13 priest, and from the people of the Jews : and they
brought a shield of gold of a thousand pound. We
thought it good therefore to write unto the kings and
countries, that they should do them no harm, nor
fight against them, their cities, or countries, nor yet
2o aid their enemies against them. It seemed also good
to us to receive the shield of them. If therefore
there be any pestilent fellows, that have fled from
their country unto you, deliver them unto Simon the
high priest, that he may punish them according to
»5 their own law.
The same things wrote he likewise unto Demetrius
the king, and Attalus, to Ariarathes, and Arsaces,
and to all the countries, and to Sampsames, and the
Lacedemonians, and to Delus, and Myndus, and
ofMaccabeesi)^ Ch. 15; Ver. 23-32.
Sicyon, and Caria, and Samos, and Pamphylia, and Ant'iochus
Lycia, and Halicarnassus, and Rhodus, and Phaselis, estranges
and Cos, and Side, and Aradus, and Gortyna, and himself
Cnidus, and Cyprus, and Cyrene. And the co^yfrom Simon
hereof they wrote to Simon the high priest. 5
So Antiochus the king camped against Dora the
second day, assaulting it continually, and making
engines, by which means he shut up Tryphon, that
he could neither go out nor in. At that time Simon
sent him two thousand chosen men to aid him ; silver lo
also, and gold, and much armour. Nevertheless he
would not receive them, but brake all the covenants
which he had made with him afore, and became
strange unto him. Furthermore he sent unto him
Athenobius, one of his friends, to commune with xs
him, and say.
Ye withhold Joppe and Gazara, with the tower
that is in Jerusalem, which are cities of my realm.
The borders thereof ye have wasted, and done great
hurt in the land, and got the dominion of many 20
places within my kingdom. Now therefore deliver
the cities which ye have taken, and the tributes of
the places, whereof ye have gotten dominion without
the borders of Judea : or else give me for them five
hundred talents of silver ; and for the harm that ye 25
have done, and the tributes of the cities, other five
hundred talents : if not, we will come and fight
against you.
So Athenobius the king's friend came to Jeru-
87
Ch. IS ; Ver. 32-41- ^ First Book
Simon s salem : and when he saw the glory of Simon, and
Message to the cupboard of gold and silver plate, and his great
Antiochus attendance, he was astonished, and told him the king's
message.
5 Then answered Simon, and said unto him,
We have neither taken other men's land, nor
holden that which appertaineth to others, but the in-
heritance of our fathers, which our enemies had
wrongfully in possession a certain time. Wherefore
10 we, having opportunity, hold the inheritance of our
fathers. And whereas thou demandest Joppe and
Gazara, albeit they did great harm unto the people
in our country, yet will we give an hundred talents
for them. Hereunto Athenobius answered him not
15 a word ; but returned in a rage to the king, and made
report unto him of these speeches, and of the glory
of Simon, and of all that he had seen : whereupon
the king was exceeding wroth. In the mean time
fled Tryphon by ship unto Orthosias.
20 Then the king made Cendebeus captain of the sea
coast, and gave him an host of footmen and horsemen,
and commanded him to remove his host toward
Judea : also he commanded him to build up Cedron,
and to fortify the gates, and to war against the people ;
25 but as for the king himself, he pursued Tryphon. So
Cendebeus came to Jamnia, and began to provoke
the people, and to invade Judea, and to take the
people prisoners, and slay them. And when he had
built up Cedron, he set horsemen there, and an host
of Maccabees k^ Ch. i6; Ver. i-8.
of footmen, to the end that issuing out they might Cendebeus
make outroads upon the ways of Judea, as the king defeated by
had commanded him. the Macca-
* Then came up John from Gazara, and told Simon bees
his father what Cendebeus had done. Wherefore 5
Simon called his two eldest sons, Judas and John,
and said unto them, I, and my brethren, and my
father's house, have ever from our youth unto this
day fought against the enemies of Israel ; and things
have prospered so well in our hands, that we have 10
delivered Israel oftentimes. But now I am old, and
ye, by God's mercy, are of a sufficient age : be ye
instead of me and my brother, and go and fight for
our nation, and the help from heaven be with you.
So he chose out of the country twenty thousand men 15
of war with horsemen, who went out against Cende-
beus, and rested that night at Modin. And when as
they rose in the morning, and went into the plain,
behold, a mighty great host both of footmen and
horsemen came against them : howbeit there was a 20
water brook betwixt them. So he and his people
pitched over against them : and when he saw that
the people were afraid to go over the water brook, he
went first over himself, and then the men seeing him
passed through after him. That done, he divided his 25
men, and set the horsemen in the midst of the foot-
men : for the enemies' horsemen were very many.
Then sounded they with the holy trumpets : where-
upon Cendebeus and his host were put to flight, so
Ch. i6; Ver. S-17. ^ First Book
Death o/"that many of them were slain, and the remnant gat
Simon them to the strong hold. At that time was Judas
John's brother wounded ; but John still followed
after them, until he came to Cedron, which Cendebeus
5 had built. So they fled even unto the towers in the
fields of Azotus; wherefore he burned it with fire: so
that there were slain of them about two thousand men.
Afterward he returned into the landof Judea in peace.
Moreover in the plain of Jericho was Ptolemeus
10 the son of Abubus made captain, and he had abundance
of silver and gold : for he was the high priest's son
in law. Wherefore his heart being lifted up, he
thought to get the country to himself, and thereupon
consulted deceitfully against Simon and his sons to
15 destroy them. Now Simon was visiting the cities
that were in the country, and taking care for the
good ordering of them ; at which time he came down
himself to Jericho with his sons, Mattathias and
Judas, in the hundred threescore and seventeenth
20 year, in the eleventh month, called Sabat : where the
son of Abubus receiving them deceitfully into a little
hold, called Docus, which he had built, made them
a great banquet : howbeit he had hid men there. So
when Simon and his sons had drunk largely, Ptole-
25 mee and his men rose up, and took their weapons,
and came upon Simon into the banqueting place, and
slew him, and his two sons, and certain of his servants.
In which doing he committed a great treachery, and
recompensed evil for good,
so
i
of Maccabees 5^ Ch. 16; Ver, 18-24.
Then Ptolemee wrote these things, and sent to the Ptolenn's
king, that he should send him an host to aid him, Treachery
and he would deliver him the country and cities.
He sent others also to Gazara to kill John : and unto
the tribunes he sent letters to come unto him, that he 5
might give them silver, and gold, and rewards. And
others he sent to take Jerusalem, and the mountain
of the temple. Now one had run afore to Gazara,
and told John that his father and brethren were slain,
and, quoth he, Ptolemee hath sent to slay thee also. 10
Hereof when he heard, he was sore astonished: so
he laid hands on them that were come to destroy
him, and slew them ; for he knew that they sought
to make him away.
As concerning the rest of the acts of John, and his is
wars, and worthy deeds which he did, and the
building of the walls which he made, and his doings,
behold, these are written in the chronicles of his
priesthood, from the time he was made high priest
after his father.
91
The Second Book of the
Maccabees
Greetings '' I ^HE brethren, the Jews that be at Jerusalem and
of the Jeivs j_ in the land of Judea, wish unto the brethren,
ofjudeato the Jews that are throughout Egypt, health and
those in peace : God be gracious unto you, and remember
Egypt his covenant that he made with Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob, his faithful servants ; and give you all an
heart to serve him, and to do his will, with a good
courage and a willing mind ; and open your hearts in
his law and commandments, and send you peace, and
lo hear your prayers, and be at one with you, and never
forsake you in time of trouble. And now we be
here praying for you. What time as Demetrius
reigned, in the hundred threescore and ninth year,
we the Jews wrote unto you in the extremity of
13 trouble that came upon us in those years, from the
time that Jason and his company revolted from the
holy land and kingdom, and burned the porch, and
shed innocent blood : then we prayed unto the Lord,
and were heard ; we offered also sacrifices and fine
20 flour, and lighted the lamps, and set forth the loaves.
And now see that ye keep the feast of tabernacles in
the month Casleu.
In the hundred fourscore and eighth year, the
Maccabees 5o» Ch. i ; Ver. 10-18.
people that were at Jerusalem and in Judea, and the The Feast
council, and Judas, sent greeting and health unto proclaimed
Aristobulus, king Ptolemeus' master, who was of the
stock of the anointed priests, and to the Jews that
were in Egypt : insomuch as God hath delivered us 5
from great perils, we thank him highly, as having
been in battle against a king. For he cast them out
that fought within the holy city. For when the
leader was come into Persia, and the army with him
that seemed invincible, they were slain in the temple to
of Nanea by the deceit of Nanea's priests. For
Antiochus, as though he would marry her, came into
the place, and his friends that were with him, to
receive money in name of a dowry. Which when
the priests of Nanea had set forth, and he was entered is
with a small company into the compass of the temple,
they shut the temple as soon as Antiochus was come
in : and opening a privy door of the roof, they threw
stones like thunderbolts, and struck down the captain,
hewed them in pieces, smote off their heads, and 20
cast them to those that were without. Blessed be
our God in all things, who hath delivered up the
ungodly.
Therefore whereas we are now purposed to keep
the purification of the temple upon the five and 25
twentieth day of the month Casleu, we thought it
necessary to certify you thereof, that ye also might
keep it, as the feast of the tabernacles, and of the fire,
•which <was given us when Neemias offered sacrifice,
93
Ch. I ; Ver. 18-27. '^ Second Book
Prayer ofzher that he had builded the temple and the altar.
the Jews in For when our fathers were led into Persia, the priests
Judea that were then devout took, the fire of the altar privily
and hid it in an hollow place of a pit without water,
s where they kept it sure, so that the place was un-
known to all men. Now after many years, when it
pleased God, Neemias, being sent from the king of
Persia, did send of the posterity of those priests that
had hid it to the fire : but when they told us they
10 found no fire, but thick water ; then commanded he
them to draw it up, and to bring it ; and when the
sacrifices were laid on, Neemias commanded the
priests to sprinkle the wood and the things laid there-
upon with the water. When this was done, and the
15 time came that the sun shone, which afore was hid in
the cloud, there was a great fire kindled, so that every
man marvelled. And the priests made a prayer
whilst the sacrifice was consuming, / say^ both the
priests, and all the rest, Jonathan beginning, and the
20 rest answering thereunto, as Neemias did. And the
prayer was after this manner :
O Lord, Lord God, Creator of all things, who
art fearful and strong, and righteous, and merciful,
and the only and gracious King, the only giver of all
85 things, the only just, almighty, and everlasting, thou
that deliverest Israel from all trouble, and didst
choose the fathers, and sanctify them : receive the
sacrifice for thy whole people Israel, and preserve
thine own portion, and sanctify it. Gather those
ofMaccabees5^ Ch. 2; Ver. 1-3.
together that are scattered from us, deliver them that The
serve among the heathen, look upon them that are Sacrifices
despised and abhorred, and let the heathen know that restored
thou art our God. Punish them that oppress us, and
with pride do us wrong. Plant thy people again in 5
thy holy place, as Moses has spoken.
And the priest sung psalms of thanksgiving. Now
when the sacrifice was consumed, Neemias commanded
the water that was left to be poured on the great
stones. When this was done, there was kindled a 10
flame : but it was consumed by the light that shined
from the altar. So when this matter was known, it
was told the king of Persia, that in the place, where
the priests that were led away had hid the fire, there
appeared water, and that Neemias had purified the 15
sacrifices therewith. Then the king, inclosing the
place, made it holy, after he had tried the matter.
And the king took many gifts, and bestowed thereof
on those whom he would gratify. And Neemias
called this thing Naphthar, which is as much as to 20
say, a cleansing : but many men call it Nephi.
* It is also found in the records, that Jeremy the
prophet commanded them that were carried away to
take off the fire, as it hath been signified : and how
that the prophet, having given them the law, charged 25
them not to forget the commandments of the Lord,
and that they should not err in their minds, when
they see images of silver and gold, with their orna-
ments. And with other such speeches exhorted he
9S
Ch. 2 ; Ver. 3-13- ^ Second Book
Story of them, that the law should not depart from their
Jeremy t5f hearts. It was also contained in the same writing,
the Holy that the prophet, being warned of God, commanded
Things the tabernacle and the ark to go with him, as he
5 went forth into the mountain, where Moses climbed
up, and saw the heritage of God. And when Jeremy
came thither, he found an hollow cave, wherein he
laid the tabernacle, and the ark, and the altar of
incense, and so stopped the door. And some of
10 those that followed him came to mark the way, but
they could not find it. Which when Jeremy per-
ceived, he blamed them, saying. As for that place,
it shall be unknown until the time that God gather
his people again together, and receive them unto
IS mercy. Then shall the Lord shew them these
things, and the glory of the Lord shall appear, and
the cloud also, as it was shewed under Moses, and as
when Solomon desired that the place might be
honourably sanctified.
20 It was also declared, that he being wise offered
the sacrifice of dedication, and of the finishing of the
temple. And as when Moses prayed unto the Lord,
the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the
sacrifices : even so prayed Solomon also, and the fire
25 came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt
offerings. And Moses said, Because the sin offering
was not to be eaten, it was consumed. So Solomon
kept those eight days.
The same things also were reported in the writings
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 2; Ver. 13-22.
and commentaries of Neemias : and how he founding Aspiration
a library gathered together the acts of the kings, and of the yetus
the prophets, and of David, and the epistles of the to become a
kings concerning the holy gifts. In like manner also Nation
Judas gathered together all those things that were again
lost by reason of the war we had, and they remain
with us. Wherefore if ye have need thereof, send
some to fetch them unto you.
Whereas we then are about to celebrate the puri-
fication, we have written unto you, and ye shall do 10
well, if ye keep the same days. We hope also, that
the God, that delivered all his people, and gave them
all an heritage, and the kingdom, and the priesthood,
and the sanctuary. As he promised in the law, will
shortly have mercy upon us, and gather us together 15
out of every land under heaven into the holy place :
for he hath delivered us out of great troubles, and hath
purified the place.
Now as concerning Judas Maccabeus, and his
brethren, and the purification of the great temple, 20
and the dedication of the altar, and the wars against
Antiochus Epiphanes, and Eupator his son, and the
manifest signs that came from heaven unto those that
behaved themselves manfully to their honour for
Judaism : so that, being but a few, they overcame the 25
whole country, and chased barbarous multitudes, and
recovered again the temple renowned all the world over,
and freed the city, and upheld the laws which were
97
Ch. 2 ; Ver. 22-32. ^ Second Book
Preface to going down, the Lord being gracious unto them with
the Second all favour : all these things, I say, being declared by
Book Jason of Cyrene in five books, we will assay to
abridge in one volume. For considering the infinite
5 number, and the difficulty which they find that desire
to look into the narrations of the story, for the variety
of the matter, we have been careful, that they that
will read may have delight, and that they that are
desirous to commit to memory might have ease, and
10 that all into whose hands it comes might have profit.
Therefore to us, that have taken upon us this painful
labour of abridging, it was not easy, but a matter of
sweat and watching ; even as it is no ease unto him
that prepareth a banquet, and seeketh the benefit of
IS others : yet for the pleasuring of many we will under-
take gladly this great pains ; leaving to the author the
exact handling of every particular, and labouring to
follow the rules of an abridgement. For as the
master builder of a new house must care for the
2o whole building ; but he that undertaketh to set it out,
and paint it, must seek out fit things for the adorning
thereof: even so I think it is with us. To stand
upon every point, and go over things at large, and to
be curious in particulars, belongeth to the first author
25 of the story : but to use brevity, and avoid much
labouring of the work, is to be granted to him that
will make an abridgement. Here then will we
begin the story : only adding thus much to that
which hath been said, that it is a foolish thing to
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 3; Ver. 1-9.
make a long prologue, and to be short in the story Stmon^s
itself. Falsehoods
regarding
* Now when the holy city was inhabited with all fhe
peace, and the laws were kept very well, because of Treasure
the godliness of Onias the high priest, and his hatred 5
of wickedness, it came to pass that even the kings
themselves did honour the place, and magnify the
temple with their best gifts ; insomuch that Seleucus
king of Asia of his own revenues bare all the costs
belonging to the service of the sacrifices. But one 10
Simon of the tribe of Benjamin, who was made
governor of the temple, fell out with the high priest
about disorder in the city. And when he could not
overcome Onias, he gat him to Apollonius the son of
Thraseas, who then was governor of Celosyria and 15
Phenice, and told him that the treasury in Jerusalem
was full of infinite sums of money, so that the mul-
titude of their riches, which did not pertain to the
account of the sacrifices, was innumerable, and that it
was possible to bring all into the king's hand. 20
Now when Apollonius came to the king, and had
shewed him of the money whereof he was told, the
king chose out Heliodorus his treasurer, and sent him
with a commandment to bring him the foresaid money.
So forthwith Heliodorus took his journey, under a 23
colour of visiting the cities of Celosyria and Phenice,
but indeed to fulfil the king's purpose. And when
he was come to Jerusalem, and had been courteously
99
Ch. 3 ; Ver. 9-17- ^ Second Book
He/ioJorus received of the high priest of the city, he told him
demands the what intelligence was given of the money, and declared
Treasure wherefore he came, and asked if these things were so
indeed. Then the high priest told him that there
5 was such money laid up for the relief of widows and
fatherless children : and that some of it belonged to
Hircanus son of Tobias, a man of great dignity, and
not as that wicked Simon had misinformed : the sum
whereof in all was four hundred talents of silver, and
lo two hundred of gold : and that it was altogether
impossible that such wrongs should be done unto them,
that had committed it to the holiness of the place,
and to the majesty and inviolable sanctity of the temple,
honoured over all the world.
15 But Heliodorus, because of the king's command-
ment given him, said. That in any wise it must be
brought into the king's treasury. So at the day
which he appointed he entered in to order this
matter : wherefore there was no small agony through-
ao out the whole city. But the priests, prostrating
themselves before the altar in their priests' vestments,
called unto heaven upon him that made a law con-
cerning things given to be kept, that they should
safely be preserved for such as had committed them
25 to be kept. Then whoso had looked the high
priest in the face, it would have wounded his heart :
for his countenance and the changing of his colour
declared the inward agony of his mind. For the
man was so compassed with fear and horror of the
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 3; Ver. 17-26.
body, that it was manifest to them that looked upon The
him, what sorrow he had now in his heart. Others Genera/
ran flocking out of their houses to the general sup- Grief and
plication, because the place was like to come into Dismay
contempt. And the woftien, girt with sackcloth s
under their breasts, abounded in the streets, and the
virgins that were kept in ran, some to the gates, and
some to the walls, and others looked out of the
windows. And all, holding their hands toward
heaven, made supplication. Then it would have lo
pitied a man to see the falling down of the multitude
of all sorts, and the fear of the high priest, being in
such an agony.
They then called upon the Almighty Lord to
keep the things committed of trust safe and sure for 13
those that had committed them. Nevertheless
Heliodorus executed that which was decreed. Now
as he was there present himself with his guard about
the treasury, the Lord of spirits, and the Prince of
all power, caused a great apparition, so that all that zo
presumed to come in with him were astonished at
the power of God, and fainted, and were sore
afraid. For there appeared unto them an horse with
a terrible rider upon him, and adorned with a very
fair covering, and he ran fiercely, and smote at 25
Heliodorus with his forefeet, and it seemed that he
that sat upon the horse had complete harness of gold.
Moreover two other young men appeared before
him, notable in strength, excellent in beauty, and
Ch. 3; Ver, 26-34. ^ Second Book
Hel'todorus comely in apparel, who stood by him on either side,
n.'racu- and scourged him continually, and gave him many
lously sore stripes. And Heliodorus fell suddenly unto
smitten the ground, and was compassed with great darkness :
5 but they that were with him took him up, and put
him into a litter. Thus him, that lately came with
a great train and with all his guard into the said
treasury, they carried out, being unable to help
himself with his weapons : and manifestly they ac-
10 knowledged the power of God : for he by the
hand of God was cast down, and lay speechless
without all hope of life. But they praised the Lord,
that had miraculously honoured his own place : for
the temple, which a little afore was full of fear and
,5 trouble, when the Almighty Lord appeared, was
filled with joy and gladness.
Then straightways certain of Heliodorus' friends
prayed Onias, that he would call upon the Most
High to grant him his life, who lay ready to give up
go the ghost. So the high priest, suspecting lest the
king should misconceive that some treachery had
been done to Heliodorus by the Jews, offered a
sacrifice for the health of the man. Now as the
high priest was making an atonement, the same
25 young men in the same clothing appeared and stood
beside Heliodorus, saying, Give Onias the high
priest great thanks, insomuch as for his sake the
Lord hath granted thee life : and seeing that thou
hast been scourged from heaven, declare unto all men
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 4; Ver. 1-4.
the mighty power of God. And when they had Simon
spoken these words, they appeared no more. So stirs up
Heliodorus, after he had offered sacrifice unto the Jealousies
Lord, and made great vows unto him that had saved
his life, and saluted Onias, returned with his host to 5
the king. Then testified he to all men the works
of the great God, which he had seen with his eyes.
And when the king asked Heliodorus, who might
be a fit man to be sent yet once again to Jerusalem,
he said, If thou hast any enemy or traitor, send him 10
thither, and thou shalt receive him well scourged, if
he escape with his life : for in that place, no doubt,
there is an especial power of God. For he that
dwelleth in heaven hath his eye on that place, and
defendeth it ; and he beateth and destroyeth them 15
that come to hurt it. And the things concerning
Heliodorus, and the keeping of the treasury, fell out
on this sort.
* This Simon now, of whom we spake afore, having
been a bewrayer of the money, and of his country, 20
slandered Onias, as if he had terrified Heliodorus,
and been the worker of these evils. Thus was he
bold to call him a traitor, that had deserved well of
the city, and tendered his own nation, and was so
zealous of the laws. But when their hatred went 25
so far, that by one of Simon's faction murders were
committed, Onias seeing the danger of this conten-
tion, and that Apollonius, as being the governor of
Celosyria and Phenice, did rage, and increase
Ch. 4 ; Ver. 4-13- ^ Second Book
Jason Simon's malice, he went to the king, not to be an
becomes accuser of his countrymen, but seeking the good of
ffig^ all, both publick and private : for he saw that it was
Priest impossible that the state should continue quiet, and
5 Simon leave his folly, unless the king did look
thereunto.
But after the death of Seleucus, when Antiochus,
called Epiphanes, took the kingdom, Jason the
brother of Onias laboured underhand to be high
lo priest, promising unto the king by intercession
three hundred and threescore talents of silver, and
of another revenue eighty talents : beside this, he
promised to assign an hundred and fifty more, if he
might have licence to set him up a place for exercise,
15 and for the training up of youth in the fashions of the
heathen, and to write them of Jerusalem iy the name of
Antiochians. Which when the king had granted,
and he had gotten into his hand the rule, he forth-
with brought his own nation to the Greekish fashion.
20 And the royal privileges granted of special favour to the
Jews by the means of John the father of Eupolemus,
who went ambassador to Rome for amity and aid,
he took away ; and putting down the governments
which were according to the law, he brought up new
25 customs against the law : for he built gladly a place
of exercise under the tower itself, and brought the
chief young men under his subjection, and made
them wear a hat-
Now such was the height of Greek fashions, and
104
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 4 ; Ver. 13-21.
increase of heathenish manners, through the exceed- Greek
ing profaneness of Jason, that ungodly wretch, and Fashions
no high priest ; that the priests had no courage to introduced
serve any more at the altar, but despising the temple,
and neglecting the sacrifices, hastened to be partakers 5
of the unlawful allowance in the place of exercise,
after the game of Discus called them forth ; not
setting by the honours of their fathers, but liking the
glory of the Grecians best of all. By reason whereof
sore calamity came upon them : for they had them 10
to be their enemies and avengers, whose custom they
followed so earnestly, and unto whom they desired
to be like in all things. For it is not a light thing
to do wickedly against the laws of God : but the
time following shall declare these things. 13
Now when the game that was used every fifth
year was kept at Tyrus, the king being present, this
ungracious Jason sent special messengers from Jeru-
salem, who were Antiochians, to carry three hundred
drachms of silver to the sacrifice of Hercules, which 20
even the bearers thereof thought fit not to bestow
upon the sacrifice, because it was not convenient, but
to be reserved for other charges. This money then,
in regard of the sender, was appointed to Hercules'
sacrifice ; but because of the bearers thereof, it was 25
employed to the making of gallies. Now when
Apollonius the son of Menestheus was sent into
Egypt for the coronation of king Ptolemeus Philo-
metor, Antiochus, understanding him not to be well
103
Ch. 4 ; Ver. 21-30. ^ Second Book
Jason affected to his affairs, provided for his own safety :
under- whereupon he came to Joppe, and from thence to
mined by Jerusalem : where he was honourably received of
Menelaus Jason, and of the city, and was brought in with torch
5 light, and with great shoutings : and so afterward
went with his host unto Phenice. Three years after-
ward Jason sent Menelaus, the aforesaid Simon's
brother, to bear the money unto the king, and to put
him in mind of certain necessary matters. But he
lo being brought to the presence of the king, when he
had magnified him for the glorious appearance of his
power, got the priesthood to himself, offering more
than Jason by three hundred talents of silver. So he
came with the king's mandate, bringing nothing
15 worthy the high priesthood, but having the fury of
a cruel tyrant, and the rage of a savage beast. Then
Jason, who had undermined his own brother, being
undermined by another, was compelled to flee Into
the country of the Ammonites.
20 So Menelaus got the principality : but as for the
money that he had promised unto the king, he took
no good order for it, albeit Sostratus the ruler of the
castle required it : for unto him appertained the gather-
ing of the customs. Wherefore they were both called
85 before the king. Now Menelaus left his brother
Lysimachus in his stead in the priesthood ; and
Sostratus left Crates, who was governor of the
Cyprians.
While those things were in doing, they of Tarsus
io6
of Maccabees 5«» Ch. 4 ; Ver. 30-38.
and Mallos made insurrection, because they were Murder of
given to the king's concubine, called Antiochis. On'tas
Then came the king in all haste to appease matters,
leaving Andronicus, a man in authority, for his deputy.
Now Menelaus, supposing that he had gotten a con- 5
venient time, stole certain vessels of gold out of the
temple, and gave some of them to Andronicus, and
some he sold into Tyrus and the cities round about.
Which when Onias knew of a surety, he reproved
him, and withdrew himself into a sanctuary at Daphne, i©
that lieth by Antiochia. Wherefore Menelaus,
taking Andronicus apart, prayed him to get Onias
into his hands ; who being persuaded thereunto, and
coming to Onias in deceit, gave him his right hand
with oaths ; and though he were suspected by him^ 15
yet persuaded he him to come forth of the sanctuary :
whom forthwith he shut up without regard of justice.
For the which cause not only the Jews, but many
also of other nations, took great indignation, and
were much grieved for the unjust murder of the man. ao
And when the king was come again from the
places about Cilicia, the Jews that were in the city,
and certain of the Greeks that abhorred the fact also,
complained because Onias was slain without cause.
Therefore Antiochus was heartily sorry, and moved 25
to pity, and wept, because of the sober and modest
behaviour of him that was dead. And being kindled
with anger, forthwith he took away Andronicus his
purple, and rent off his clothes, and leading him
Ch. 4 ; Ver. 38-46. ^ Second Book
If'^rongs through the whole city unto that very place, where
done by he had committed impiety against Onias, there slew
Lysi- he the cursed murderer. Thus the Lord rewarded
machus him his punishment, as he had deserved. Now
5 when many sacrileges had been committed in the
city by Lysimachus with the consent of Menelaus,
and the bruit thereof was spread abroad, the multi-
tude gathered themselves together against Lysimachus,
many vessels of gold being already carried away.
10 Whereupon the common people rising, and being
filled with rage, Lysimachus armed about three
thousand men, and began first to offer violence ; one
Auranus being the leader, a man far gone in years,
and no less in folly. They then seeing the attempt
15 of Lysimachus, some of them caught stones, some
clubs, others taking handfuls of dust, that was next
at hand, cast them all together upon Lysimachus, and
those that set upon them. Thus many of them they
wounded, and some they struck to the ground, and
20 all of tkem they forced to flee : but as for the church-
robber himself, him they killed beside the treasury.
Of these matters therefore there was an accusation
laid against Menelaus. Now when the king came to
Tyrus, three men that were sent from the senate
25 pleaded the cause before him : but Menelaus, being
now convicted, promised Ptolemee the son of Dory-
menes to give him much money, if he would pacify
the king toward him. Whereupon Ptolemee taking
the king aside into a certain gallery, as it were to
icS
of Maccabees ^ Ch. s ; Ver. 1.5.
take the air, brought him to be of another mind : in- Menelaus
somuch that he discharged Menelaus from the ac- strength-
cusations, who notwithstanding was cause of all the ened in
mischief : and those poor men, who, if they had told Power
their cause, yea, before the Scythians, should have 5
been judged innocent, them he condemned to death.
Thus they that followed the matter for the city, and
for the people, and for the holy vessels, did soon
suffer unjust punishment.
Wherefore even they of Tyrus, moved with ro
hatred of that wicked deed, caused them to be
honourably buried. And so through the covetous-
ness of them that were of power Menelaus remained
still in authority, increasing in malice, and being a
great traitor to the citizens. ij
* About the same time Antiochus prepared his
second voyage into Egypt : and then it happened,
that through all the city, for the space almost of
forty days, there were seen horsemen running in the
air, in cloth of gold, and armed with lances, like a so
band of soldiers, and troops of horsemen in array,
encountering and running one against another, with
shaking of shields, and multitude of pikes, and
drawing of swords, and casting of darts, and
glittering of golden ornaments, and harness of all 25
sorts. Wherefore every man prayed that that ap-
parition might turn to good.
Now when there was gone forth a false rumour,
as though Antiochus had been dead, Jason took at
109
Ch. 5 ; Ver. 5-13- ^ Second Book
Fate of the least a thousand men, and suddenly made an
Jason assault upon the city ; and they that were upon the
walls being put back, and the city at length taken,
Menelaus fled into the castle : but Jason slew his
5 own citizens without mercy, not considering that to
get the day of them of his own nation would be a
most unhappy day for him ; but thinking they had
been his enemies, and not his countrymen, whom he
conquered. Howbeit for all this he obtained not
10 the principality, but at the last received shame for
the reward of his treason, and fled again into the
country of the Ammonites. In the end therefore he
had an unhappy return, being accused before Aretas
the king of the Arabians, fleeing from city to city,
15 pursued of all men, hated as a forsaker of the laws,
and being had in abomination as an open enemy of
his country and countrymen, he was cast out into
Egypt. Thus he that had driven many out of their
country perished in a strange land, retiring to the
20 Lacedemonians, and thinking there to find succour
by reason of his kindred : and he that had cast out
many unburied had none to mourn for him, nor any
solemn funerals at all, nor sepulchre with his fathers.
Now when this that was done came to the king's
js ear, he thought that Judea had revolted : whereupon
removing out of Egypt in a furious mind, he took
the city by force of arms, and commanded his men
of war not to spare such as they met, and to slay
such as went up upon the houses. Thus there was
of Maccabees 5^ Ch. 5; Ver. 13-20.
killing of young and old, making away of men, Antiochus
women, and children, slaying of virgins and infants, enters the
And there were destroyed within the space of three Temple
whole days fourscore thousand, whereof forty
thousand were slain in the conflict ; and no fewer 5
sold than slain. Yet was he not content with this,
but presumed to go into the most holy temple of all
the world ; Menelaus, that traitor to the laws, and
to his own country, being his guide ; and taking the
holy vessels with polluted hands, and with profane lo
hands pulling down the things that were dedicated
by other kings to the augmentation and glory and
honour of the place, he gave them away. And so
haughty was Antiochus in mind, that he considered
not that the Lord was angry for a while for the sins 15
of them that dwelt in the city, and therefore his eye
was not upon the place. For had they not been
formerly wrapped in many sins, this man, as soon as
he had come, had forthwith been scourged, and put
back from his presumption, as Heliodorus was, whom 20
Seleucus the king sent to view the treasury. Never-
theless God did not choose the people for the place's
sake, but the place for the people's sake. And
therefore the place itself, that was partaker with
them of the adversity that happened to the nation, 25
did afterward communicate in the benefits sent from
the Lord: and as it was forsaken in the wrath of
the Almighty, so again, the great Lord being recon-
ciled, it was set up with all glory.
Ch. 6;Ver. I. ^ Second Book
Judas So when Antiochus had carried out of the temple
Maccabeus a thousand and eight hundred talents, he departed in
•withdraws all haste unto Antiochia, weening in his pride to
from make the land navigable, and the sea passable by
Jerusalem foot : such was the haughtiness of his mind. And
he left governors to vex the nation : at Jerusalem,
Philip, for his country a Phrygian, and for manners
more barbarous than he that set him there ; and at
Garizim, Andronicus ; and besides, Menelaus, who
lo worse than all the rest bare an heavy hand over the
citizens, having a malicious mind against his country-
men the Jews. He sent also that detestable ring-
leader Apollonius with an army of two and twenty
thousand, commanding him to slay all those that
15 were in their best age, and to sell the women and
the younger sort : who coming to Jerusalem, and
pretending peace, did forbear till the holy day of the
sabbath, when taking the Jews keeping holy day, he
commanded his men to arm themselves. And so he
20 slew all them that were gone to the celebrating of
the sabbath, and running through the city with
weapons slew great multitudes. But Judas Macca-
beus with nine others, or thereabout, withdrew him-
self into the wilderness, and lived in the mountains
25 after the manner of beasts, with his company, who
fed on herbs continually, lest they should be par-
takers of the pollution.
* Not long after this the king sent an old man of
Athens to compel the Jews to depart from the laws
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 6; Ver. i-io.
of their fathers, and not to live after the laws of T/je Dese-
God : and to pollute also the temple in Jerusalem, cration of
and to call it the temple of Jupiter Olympius ; and the Temple
that in Garizim, of Jupiter the Defender of strangers,
as they did desire that dwelt in the place. The 5
coming in of this mischief was sore and grievous to
the people : for the temple was filled with riot and
revelling by the Gentiles, who dallied with harlots,
and had to do with women within the circuit of the
holy places, and besides that brought in things that 10
were not lawful. The altar also was filled with ^
profane things, which the law forbiddeth. Neither
was it lawful for a man to keep sabbath days or
ancient feasts, or to profess himself at all to be a
Jew. And in the day of the king's birth every 15
month they were brought by bitter constraint to eat
of the sacrifices ; and when the feast of Bacchus was
kept, the Jews were compelled to go in procession to
Bacchus, carrying ivy. Moreover there went out a
decree to the neighbour cities of the heathen, by -the 20
suggestion of Ptolemee, against the Jews, that they
should observe the same fashions, and be partakers of
their sacrifices : and whoso would not conform them-
selves to the manners of the Gentiles should be put
to death. Then might a man have seen the present =5
misery. For there were two women brought, who
had circumcised their children ; whom when they
had openly led round about the city, the babes
hanging at their breasts, they cast them down head-
Ch. 6 ; Ver. 10-21. ^ Second Book
Cruelties long from the wall. And others, that had run to-
infiicted on gether into caves near by, to keep the sabbath day
the Jeivs secretly, being discovered to Philip, were all burned
together, because they made a conscience to help
5 themselves for the honour of the most sacred day.
Now I beseech those that read this book, that they
be not discouraged for these calamities, but that
they judge those punishments not to be for destruction,
but for a chastening of our nation. For it is a token
lo of his great goodness, when wicked doers are not
suffered any long time, but forthwith punished. For
not as with other nations, whom the Lord patiently
forbeareth to punish, till they be come to the fulness
of their sins, so dealeth he with us, lest that, being
15 come to the height of sin, afterwards he should take
vengeance of us. And therefore he never with-
draweth his mercy from us : and though he punish
with adversity, yet doth he never forsake his people.
But let this that we have spoken be for a warning
20 unto us. And now will we come to the declaring of
the matter in few words. Eleazar, one of the
principal scribes, an aged man, and of a well favoured
countenance, was constrained to open his mouth, and
to eat swine's flesh. But he, choosing rather to die
25 gloriously, than to live stained with such an abomina-
tion, spit it forth, and came of his own accord to the
torment, as it behoved them to come, that are resolute
to stand out against such things, as are not lawful for
love of life to be tasted. But they that had the
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 6 ; Ver. 21-28.
charge of that wicked feast, for the old acquaintance Heroism of
they had with the man, taking him aside, besought Eleazar
him to bring flesh of his own provision, such as was
lawful for him to use, and make as if he did eat of
the flesh taken from the sacrifice commanded by the s
king ; that in so doing he might be delivered from
death, and for the old friendship with them find
favour.
But he began to consider discreetly, and as became
his age, and the excellency of his ancient years, and lo
the honour of his gray head, whereunto he was come,
and his most honest education from a child, or rather
the holy law made and given by God : therefore he
answered accordingly, and willed them straightways
to send him to the grave. For it becometh not our 15
age, said he, in any wise to dissemble, whereby many
young persons might think that Eleazar, being four-
score years old and ten, were now gone to a strange
religion ; and so they through mine hypocrisy, and
desire to live a little time and a moment longer, should 20
be deceived by me, and I get a stain to mine old age,
and make it abominable. For though for the present
time I should be delivered from the punishment of men ;
yet should I not escape the hand of the Almighty,
neither alive, nor dead. Wherefore now, manfully 25
changing this life, I will shew myself such an one as
mine age requireth, and leave a notable example to
such as be young to die willingly and courageously
for the honourable and holy laws. And when he
Ch. 7 ; Ver. 1-5. ^ Second Book
Heroism had said these words, immediately he went to the
y Death torment : they that led him changing the good will
of Eleaxar they bare him a little before into hatred, because the
foresaid speeches proceeded, as they thought, from a
5 desperate mind. But when he was ready to die with
stripes, he groaned, and said. It is manifest unto the
Lord, that hath the holy knowledge, that whereas I
might have been delivered from death, I now endure
sore pains in body by being beaten : but in soul am
10 well content to suffer these things, because I fear
him. And thus this man died, leaving his death for
an example of a noble courage, and a memorial of
•virtue, not only unto young men, but unto all his
nation.
15 * It came to pass also, that seven brethren with their
mother were taken, and compelled by the king against
the law to taste swine's flesh, and were tormented
with scourges and whips. But one of them that spake
first said thus. What wouldest thou ask or learn of
20 us ? we are ready to die, rather than to transgress the
laws of our fathers. Then the king, being in a rage,
commanded pans and caldrons to be made hot :
which forthwith being heated, he commanded to cut
out the tongue of him that spake first, and to cut off
25 the utmost parts of his body, the rest of his brethren
and his mother looking on. Now when he was thus
maimed in all his members, he commanded him
being yet alive to be brought to the fire, and to be
fried in the pan : and as the vapour of the pan was
116
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 7 ; Ver. 5-14.
for a good space dispersed, they exhorted one another Torments
with the mother to die manfully, saying thus, The inflicted on
Lord God looketh upon us, and in truth hath com- Jews
fort in us, as Moses in his song, which witnessed to
their faces, declared, saying. And he shall be com- 5
forted in his servants.
So when the first was dead after this manner, they
brought the second to make him a mocking stock :
and when they had pulled off the skin of his head
with the hair, they asked him. Wilt thou eat, before lo
thou be punished throughout every member of thy
body ? But he answered in his own language, and
said. No. Wherefore he also received the next
torment in order as the former did. And when he
was at the last gasp, he said, Thou like a fury takest is
us out of this present life, but the King of the world
shall raise us up, who have died for his laws, unto
everlasting life.
After him was the third made a mocking stock :
and when he was required, he put out his tongue, and 2°
that right soon, holding forth his hands manfully, and
said courageously, These I had from heaven ; and
for his laws I despise them ; and from him I hope
to receive them again. Insomuch that the king, and
they that were with him, marvelled at the young 25
man's courage, for that he nothing regarded the pains.
Now when this man was dead also, they tormented
and mangled the fourth in like manner. So when he
was ready to die he said thus. It is good, being put
K 117
Ch. 7 ; Ver. 14-23. -^ Second Book
A Mother to death by men, to look for hope from God to be
(5* her raised up again by him : as for thee, thou shalt have
Seven Sons no resurrection to life.
tortured Afterward they brought the fifth also, and
5 mangled him. Then looked he unto the king, and
said, Thou hast power over men, thou art corruptible,
thou doest what thou wilt ; yet think not that our
nation is forsaken of God ; but abide a while, and
behold his great power, how he will torment thee
lo and thy seed.
After him also they brought the sixth, who being
ready to die said. Be not deceived without cause :
for we suffer these things for ourselves, having sinned
against our God : therefore marvellous things are
15 done unto us. But think not thou, that takest in hand
to strive against God, that thou shalt escape un-
punished.
But the mother was marvellous above all, and
worthy of honourable memory : for when she saw
20 her seven sons slain within the space of one day, she
bare it with a good courage, because of the hope that
she had in the Lord. Yea, she exhorted every one
of them in her own language, filled with courageous
spirits ; and stirring up her womanish thoughts with
25 a manly stomach, she said unto them, I cannot tell
how ye came into my womb ; for I neither gave you
breath nor life, neither was it I that formed the
members of every one of you ; but doubtless the
Creator of the world, who formed the generation of
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 7 ; Ver. 23-29.
man, and found out the beginning of all things, will ^ Mother
also of his own mercy give you breath and life again, ^ her
as ye now regard not your own selves for his laws' sake. Seven Sons
Now Antiochus, thinking himself despised, and tortured
suspecting it to be a reproachful speech, whilst the 5
youngest was yet alive, did not only exhort him by
words, but also assured him with oaths, that he
would make him both a rich and a happy man, if he
would turn from the laws of his fathers ; and that
also he would take him for his friend, and trust him 10
with affairs. But when the young man would in no
case hearken unto him, the king called his mother,
and exhorted her that she would counsel the young
man to save his life. And when he had exhorted
her with many words, she promised him that she 15
would counsel her son.
But she bowing herself toward him, laughing the
cruel tyrant to scorn, spake in her country language
on this manner ; O my son, have pity upon me
that bare thee nine months in my womb, and gave 20
thee suck three years, and nourished thee, and
brought thee up unto this age, and endured the
troubles of education. I beseech thee, my son, look
upon the heaven and the earth, and all that is therein,
and consider that God made them of things that were 25
not ; and so was mankind made likewise. Fear not
this tormentor, but, being worthy of thy brethren,
take thy death, that I may receive thee again in
mercy with thy brethren.
Ch. 7 ; Ver. 30-40. ^ Second Book
^ Mother Whiles she was yet speaking these words, the
iff her young man said, Whom wait ye for ? I will not
Seven Sons obey the king's commandment : but I will obey the
tortured commandment of the law that was given unto our
s fathers by Moses. And thou, that hast been the
author of all mischief against the Hebrews, shalt not
escape the hands of God. For we suffer because of
our sins. And though the living Lord be angry
with us a little while for our chastening and correction,
10 yet shall he be at one again with his servants. But
thou, O godless man, and of all other most wicked,
be not lifted up without a cause, nor puffed up with
uncertain hopes, lifting up thy hand against the ser-
vants of God : for thou hast not yet escaped the
15 judgment of Almighty God, who seeth all things.
For our brethren, who now have suffered a short
pain, are dead under God's covenant of everlasting
life : but thou, through the judgment of God, shalt
receive just punishment for thy pride. But I, as my
20 brethren, offer up my body and life for the laws of
our fathers, beseeching God that he would speedily be
merciful unto our nation ; and that thou by torments
and plagues mayest confess, that he alone is God ; and
that in me and my brethren the wrath of the Almighty,
25 which is justly brought upon all our nation, may cease.
Then the king, being in a rage, handled him worse
than all the rest, and took it grievously that he was
mocked. So this man died undefiled, and put his
whole trust in the Lord.
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 8- Ver. i-8.
Last of all after the sons the mother died. Revolt
Let this be enough now to have spoken concerning against
the idolatrous feasts, and the extreme tortures. Antiochus
* Then Judas Maccabeus, and they that were with by Judas
him, went privily into the towns, and called their Maccabeus
kinsfolks together, and took unto them all such as
continued in the Jews' religion, and assembled about
six thousand men. And they called upon the Lord,
that he would look upon the people that was trodden
down of all ; and also pity the temple profaned of lo
ungodly men ; and that he would have compassion
upon the city, sore defaced, and ready to be made
even with the ground ; and hear the blood that cried
unto him, and remember the wicked slaughter of
harmless infants, and the blasphemies committed is
against his name ; and that he would shew his hatred
against the wicked. Now when Maccabeus had his
company about him, he could not be withstood by
the heathen : for the wrath of the Lord was turned
into mercy. Therefore he came at unawares, and 20
burnt up towns and cities, and got into his hands the
most commodious places, and overcame and put to
flight no small number of his enemies. But specially
took he advantage of the night for such privy attempts,
insomuch that the bruit of his manliness was spread 25
every where.
So when Philip saw that this man increased by
little and little, and that things prospered with him
still more and more, he wrote unto Ptolemeus, the
Ch. 8 ; Ver. 8-16. ^ Second Book
Nicanor governor of Celosyria and Phenice, to yield more aid
sent to the king's affairs. Then forthwith choosing Ni-
against canor the son of Patroclus, one of his special friends,
'yudas he sent him with no fewer than twenty thousand of
s all nations under him, to root out the whole genera-
tion of the Jews ; and with him he joined also
Gorgias a captain, who in matters of war had great
experience. So Nicanor undertook to make so much
money of the captive Jews, as should defray the
10 tribute of two thousand talents, which the king was
to pay to the Romans. Wherefore immediately he
sent to the cities upon the sea coast, proclaiming a
sale of the captive Jews, and promising that they
should have fourscore and ten bodies for one talent,
IS not expecting the vengeance that was to follow upon
him from the Almighty God.
Now when word was brought unto Judas of Ni-
canor's coming, and he had imparted unto those that
were with him that the army was at hand, they
2o that were fearful, and distrusted the justice of God,
fled, and conveyed themselves away. Others sold
all that they had left, and withal besought the Lord
to deliver them, being sold by the wicked Nicanor
before they met together : and if not for their own
25 sakes, yet for the covenants he had made with their
fathers, and for his holy and glorious name's sake, by
which they were called. So Maccabeus called his
men together unto the number of six thousand, and
exhorted them not to be stricken with terror of the
of Maccabees 5o» Ch. 8 ; Ver. 16-23.
enemy, nor to fear the great multitude of the heathen, Judas
who came wrongfully against them ; but to fight encourages
manfully, and to set before their eyes the injury that his Men
they had unjustly done to the holy place, and the
cruel handling of the city, whereof they made a 5
mockery, and also the taking away of the government
of their forefathers : for they, said he, trust in their
weapons and boldness ; but our coniidence is in the
Almighty God, who at a beck can cast down both
them that come against us, and also all the world. 10
Moreover he recounted unto them what helps their
forefathers had found, and how they were delivered,
when under Sennacherib an hundred fourscore and
five thousand perished. And he told them of the
battle that they had in Babylon witii the Galatians, is
how they came but eight thousand in all to the busi-
ness, with four thousand Macedonians, and that the
Macedonians being perplexed, the eight thousand de-
stroyed an hundred and twenty thousand because of
the help that they had from heaven, and so received 20
a great booty=
Thus when he had made them bold with these
words, and ready to die for the laws and the
country, he divided his army into four parts ; and
joined with himself his own brethren, leaders of each 23
band, to ivii, Simon, and Joseph, and Jonathan,
giving each one fifteen hundred men. Also he ap-
pointed Eleazar to read the holy book : and when he
had given them this watchword, The help of God ;
Ch. 8 ; Ver. 23-31- ^ Second Book
Victory ©/"himself leading the first band, he joined battle with
Judas Nicanor. And by the help of the Almighty they
slew above nine thousand of their enemies, and
wounded and maimed the most part of Nicanor' s
5 host, and so put all to flight ; and took their money
that came to buy them, and pursued them far : but
lacking time they returned : for it was the day
before the sabbath, and therefore they would no
lofiger pursue them.
ic So when they had gathered their armour together,
and spoiled their enemies, they occupied themselves
about the sabbath, yielding exceeding praise and
thanks to the Lord, who had preserved them unto
that day, which was the beginning of mercy dis-
15 tilling upon them. And after the sabbath, when
they had given part of the spoils to the maimed, and
the widows, and orphans, the residue they divided
among themselves and their servants. When this
was done, and they had made a common supplication,
2o they besought the merciful Lord to be reconciled
with his servants for ever. Moreover of those that
were with Timotheus and Bacchides, who fought
against them, they slew above twenty thousand, and
very easily got high and strong holds, and divided
25 among themselves many spoils more, and made the
maimed, orphans, widows, yea, and the aged also,
equal in spoils with themselves. And when they
had gathered their armour together, they laid them
up all carefully in convenient places, and the remnant
:24
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 9 ; Ver. 1-3.
of the spoils they brought to Jerusalem. They slew Antiochus
also Philarches, that wicked person, who was with suffers
Timotheus, and had annoyed the Jews many ways. Defeat in
Furthermore at such time as they kept the feast for Persia
the victory in their country they burnt Callisthenes, 5
that had set fire upon the holy gates, who had fled
into a little house ; and so he received a reward
meet for his wickedness.
As for that most ungracious Nicanor, who had
brought a thousand merchants to buy the Jews, he 10
was through the help of the Lord brought down by
them, of whom he made least account ; and putting
off his glorious apparel, and discharging his company,
he came like a fugitive servant through the midland
unto Antioch, having very great dishonour, for that 15
his host was destroyed. Thus he, that took upon
him to make good to the Romans their tribute by
means of the captives in Jerusalem, told abroad, that
the Jews had God to fight for them, and therefore
they could not be hurt, because they followed the 20
laws that he gave them.
* About that time came Antiochus with dishonour
out of the country of Persia. For he had entered
the city called Persepolis, and went about to rob the
temple, and to hold the city ; whereupon the multi- 25
tude running to defend themselves with their weapons
put them to flight ; and so it happened, that
Antiochus being put to flight of the inhabitants re-
turned with shame. Now when he came to Ecba-
Ch. 9 ; Ver. 3-8. ^ Second Book
Antiockus tane, news was brought him what had happened unto
smitten Nicanor and Timotheus. Then swelling with anger,
With he thought to avenge upon the Jews the disgrace
Disease done unto him by those that made him flee. There-
5 fore commanded he his chariotman to drive without
ceasing, and to dispatch the journey, the judgment
of God now following him. For he had spoken
proudly in this sort. That he would come to Jeru-
salem, and make it a common burying-place of the
lo Jews.
But the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, smote
him with an incurable and invisible plague : for as
soon as he had spoken these words, a pain of the
bowels that was remediless came upon him, and
IS sore torments of the inner parts ; and that most
justly : for he had tormented other men's bowels
with many and strange torments. Howbeit he
nothing at all ceased from his bragging, but still was
filled with pride, breathing out fire in his rage against
20 the Jews, and commanding to haste the journey : but
it came to pass that he fell down from his chariot,
carried violently ; so that having a sore fall, all the
members of his body were much pained. And thus
he that a little afore thought he might command
25 the waves of the sea, (so proud was he beyond the
condition of man) and weigh the high mountains in
a balance, was now cast on the ground, and carried
in an horselitter, shewing forth unto all the manifest
power of God.
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 9 ; Ver. 9-17.
So that the worms rose up out of the body of this Repentance
wicked man, and whiles he lived in sorrow and pain, of Anti-
his flesh fell awav, and the filthiness of his smell was ochus
noisome to all his army. And the man, that thought
a little afore he could reach to the stars of heaven, 5
no man could endure to carry for his intolerable
stink. Here therefore, being plagued, he began to
leave off his great pride, and to come to the know-
ledge of himself by the scourge of God, his pain
increasing every moment. And when he himself 10
could not abide his own smell, he said these words.
It is meet to be subject unto God, and that a man
that is mortal should not proudly think of himself, as
if he were God. This wicked person vowed also
unto the Lord, who now no more would have mercy 15
upon him, saying thus. That the holy city (to the
which he was going in haste, to lay it even with the
ground, and to make it a common buryingplace,) he
would set at liberty :
And as touching the Jews, whom he had judged 20
not worthy so much as to be buried, but to be cast
out with their children to be devoured of the fowls
and wild beasts, he would make them all equals to
the citizens of Athens : and the holy temple, which
before he had spoiled, he would garnish with goodly 23
gifts, and restore all the holy vessels with many more,
and out of his own revenue defray the charges be-
longing to the sacrifices : yea, and that also he
would become a Jew himself, and go through all the
I
Ch. 9 ; Ver. 17-25. ^ Second Book
u4titiochus world that was inhabited, and declare the power of
'writes to God. But for all this his pains would not cease :
the Jeivs for the just judgment of God was come upon
him : therefore despairing of his health, he wrote
s unto the Jews the letter underwritten, containing the
form of a supplication, after this manner :
Antiochus, king and governor, to the good Jews
his citizens wisheth much joy, health, and prosperity:
If ye and your children fare well, and your affairs be
lo to your contentment, I give very great thanks to
God, having my hope in heaven. As for me, I was
weak, or else I would have remembered kindly your
honour and good will. Returning out of Persia, and
being taken with a grievous disease, I thought it
IS necessary to care for the common safety of all : not
distrusting mine health, but having great hope to
escape this sickness. But considering that even my
father, at what time he led an army into the high
countries, appointed a successor, to the end that, if
20 any thing fell out contrary to expectation, or if any
tidings were brought that were grievous, they of the
land, knowing to whom the state was left, might not
be troubled :
Again, considering how that the princes that are
25 borderers and neighbours unto my kingdom wait for
opportunities, and expect what shall be the event, I
have appointed my son Antiochus king, whom I
often committed and commended unto many of you,
when I went up into the high provinces ; to whom I
of Maccabees 5©» Ch. lo; Ver. 1-5.
have written as followeth : therefore I pray and Judas
request you to remember the benefits that I )\aMe purlfes the
done unto you generally, and in special, and that Temple
every man will be still faithful to me and my son.
For I am persuaded that he understanding my mind 5
will favourably and graciously yield to your desires.
Thus the murderer and blasphemer having suffered
most grievously, as he entreated other men, so died
he a miserable death in a strange country in the
mountains. And Philip, that was brought up with 10
him, carried away his body, who also fearing the son
of Antiochus went into Egypt to Ptolemeus Philo-
metor.
* Now Maccabeus and his company, the Lord
guiding them, recovered the temple and the city : 15
but the altars which the heathen had built in the open
street, and also the chapels, they pulled down. And
having cleansed the temple they made another altar,
and striking stones they took fire out of them, and
offered a sacrifice after two years, and set forth 20
incense, and lights, and shewbread. When that was
done, they fell flat down, and besought the Lord that
they might come no more into such troubles ; but if
they sinned any more against him, that he himself
would chasten them with mercy, and that they might 25
not be delivered unto the blasphemous and barbarous
nations. Now upon the same day that the strangers
profaned the temple, on the very same day it was
cleansed again, even the five and twentieth day of the
Ch. 10 ; Ver. 5-14. ^ Second Book
The In- same month, which is Casleu. And they kept eight
justice qfda.ys with gladness, as in the feast of the tabernacles,
j4ntiochus remembering that not long afore they had held the
Eupator feast of the tabernacles, when as they wandered in
5 the mountains and dens like beasts. Therefore they
bare branches, and fair boughs, and palms also, and
sangs psalms unto him that had given them good
success in cleansing his place. They ordained also
by a common statute and decree. That every year
10 those days should be kept of the whole nation of the
Jews. And this was the end of Antiochus called
Epiphanes.
Now will we declare the acts of Antiochus
Eupator, who was the son of this wicked man,
15 gathering briefly the calamities of the wars. So
when he was come to the crown, he set one Lysias
over the affairs of his realm, and appointed him chief
governor of Celosyria and Phenice. For Ptolemeus,
that was called Macron, choosing rather to do justice
£o unto the Jews for the wrong that had been done unto
them, endeavoured to continue peace with them.
Whereupon being accused of the iing's friends before
Eupator, and called traitor at every word, because he
had left Cyprus, that Philometor had committed unto
25 him, and departed to Antiochus Epiphanes, and
seeing that he was in no honourable place, he was so
discouraged, that he poisoned himself and died.
But when Gorgias was governor of the holds, he
hired soldiers, and nourished war continually with the
of Maccabees ^ Ch. lo ; Ver. 14.23.
Jews : and therewithal the Idumeans, having gotten The Covet-
into their hands the most commodious holds, kept ousness of
the Jews occupied, and receiving those that were Simoti
banished from Jerusalem, they went about to nourish
war. Then they that were with Maccabeus made 5
supplication, and besought God that he would be
their helper ; and so they ran with violence upon the
strong holds of the Idumeans, and assaulting them
strongly, they won the holds, and kept off all that
fought upon the wall, and slew all that fell into their 10
hands, and killed no fewer than twenty thousand.
And because certain, who were no less than nine
thousand, were fled together into two very strong
castles, having all manner of things convenient to
sustain the siege, Maccabeus left Simon and Joseph, k;
and Zaccheus also, and them that were with him,
who were enough to besiege them, and departed him-
self unto those places which more needed his help.
Now they that were with Simon, being led with
covetousness, were persuaded for money through 20
certain of those that were in the castle, and took
seventy thousand drachms, and let some of them
escape. But when it was told Maccabeus what was
done, he called the governors of the people together,
and accused those men, that they had sold their 25
brethren for money, and set their enemies free to
fight against them. So he slew those that were
found traitors, and immediately took the two castles.
And having good success with his weapons in all
Ch. 10 ; Ver. 23-31. -^ Second Book
Jvdas things he took, in hand, he slew in the two holds
defeats more than twenty thousand.
Timoiheus Now Timotheus, whom the Jews had overcome
before, when he had gathered a great multitude of
5 foreign forces, and horses out of Asia not a few,
came as though he would take Jewry by force of
arms. But when he drew near, they that were with
Maccabeus turned themselves to pray unto God, and
sprinkled earth upon their heads, and girded their
10 loins with sackcloth, and fell down at the foot of the
altar, and besought him to be merciful to them, and
to be an enemy to their enemies, and an adversary to
their adversaries, as the law declareth. So after the
prayer they took their weapons, and went on further
15 from the city : and when they drew near to their
enemies, they kept by themselves.
Now the sun being newly risen, they joined both
together ; the one part having together with their
virtue their refuge also unto the Lord for a pledge of
20 their success and victory : the other side making
their rage leader of their battle. But when the battle
waxed strong, there appeared unto the enemies from
heaven five comely men upon horses, with bridles of
gold, and two of them led the Jews, and took
2s Maccabeus betwixt them, and covered him on every
side with their weapons, and kept him safe, but shot
arrows and lightnings against the enemies : so that
being confounded with blindness, and full of trouble,
they were killed. And there were slain of footmen
132
of Maccabees ^ Ch. ii ; Ver. 1-3.
twenty thousand and five hundred, and six hundred Death of
horsemen. Timotheus
As for Timotheus himself, he fled into a very-
strong hold, called Gazara, where Chereas was
governor. But they that were with Maccabeus laid 5
siege against the fortress courageously four days.
And they that were within, trusting to the strength
of the place, blasphemed exceedingly, and uttered
wicked words. Nevertheless upon the fifth day
early twenty young men of Maccabeus' company, 10
inflamed with anger because of the blasphemies,
assaulted the wall manly, and with a fierce courage
killed all that they met withal. Others likewise
ascending after them, whiles they were busied with
them that were within, burnt the towers, and kindling is
fires burnt the blasphemers alive ; and others broke
open the gates, and, having received in the rest ot
the army, took the city, and killed Timotheus, that
was hid in a certain pit, and Chereas his brother,
with Apollophanes. When this was done, they 20
praised the Lord with psalms and thanksgiving, who
had done so great things for Israel, and given them
the victory.
* Not long after this, Lysias the king's protector
and cousin, who also managed the affairs, took sore 25
displeasure for the things that were done. And
when he had gathered about fourscore thousand with
all the horsemen, he came against the Jews, thinking
to make the city an habitation of the Gentiles, and
L 133
Ch. II ; Ver. 3-12. ^ Second Book
Judas to make a gain of the temple, as of the other chapels
defeats of the heathen, and to set the high priesthood to sale
Lysias every year : not at all considering the power of God,
but puffed up with his ten thousands of footmen, and
s his thousands of horsemen, and his fourscore elephants.
So he came to Judea, and drew near to Bethsura,
which was a strong town, but distant from Jerusalem
about five furlongs, and he laid sore siege unto it.
Now when they that were with Maccabeus heard
lo that he besieged the holds, they and all the people
with lamentation and tears besought the Lord that
he would send a good angel to deliver Israel.
Then Maccabeus himself first of all took weapons,
exhorting the other that they would jeopard them-
15 selves together with him to help their brethren : so
they went forth together with a willing mind. And
as they were at Jerusalem, there appeared before
them on horseback one in white clothing, shaking his
armour of gold. Then they praised the merciful
20 God all together, and took heart, insomuch that they
were ready not only to fight with men, but with most
cruel beasts, and to pierce through walls of iron.
Thus they marched forward in their armour, having
an helper from heaven : for the Lord was merciful
25 unto them. And giving a charge upon their enemies
like lions, they slew eleven thousand ybo/mfn, and six-
teen hundred horsemen, and put all the other to flight.
Many of them also being wounded escaped naked ;
and Lysias himself fled away shamefully, and so
of Maccabees ^ Ch. n ; Ver. 12-23.
escaped. Who, as he was a man of understanding, Judas
casting with himself what loss he had had, and con- wakes
sidering that the Hebrews could not be overcome, Peace
because the Almighty God helped them, he sent luith
unto them, and persuaded them to agree to all Lys'ias
reasonable conditions, and promised that he would per-
suade the king that he must needs be a friend unto
them.
Then Maccabeus consented to all that Lysias de-
sired, being careful of the common good ; and what- 10
soever Maccabeus wrote unto Lysias concerning the
Jews, the king granted it. For there were letters
written unto the Jews from Lysias to this effect :
Lysias unto the people of the Jews sendeth greeting :
John and Absalon, who were sent from you, de- 15
livered me the petition subscribed, and made request
for the performance of the contents thereof. There-
fore what things soever were meet to be reported to
the king, I have declared them, and he hath granted
as much as might be. If then ye will keep your- 20
selves loyal to the state, hereafter also will I endeavour
to be a means of your good. But of the particulars
I have given order both to these, and the other that
came from me, to commune with you. Fare ye well.
The hundred and eight and fortieth year, the four 25
and twentieth day of the month Dioscorinthius.
Now the king's letter contained these words :
King Antiochus unto his brother Lysias sendeth greet-
ing : Since our father is translated unto the gods, our
Ch. II ; Ver. 23-33. ^ Second Book
j^ntiochus will is, that they that are in our realm live quietly,
confirms that every one may attend upon his own affairs. We
the Treaty understand also that the Jews would not consent to
of Lysias our father, for to be brought unto the custom of the
5 Gentiles, but had rather keep their own manner of
living : for the which cause they require of us, that
we should suffer them to live after their own laws.
Wherefore our mind is, that this nation shall be in
rest, and we have determined to restore them their
10 temple, that they may live according to the customs
of their forefathers. Thou shalt do well therefore to
send unto them, and grant them peace, that when they
are certified of our mind, they may be of good com-
fort, and ever go cheerfully about their own affairs.
15 And the letter of the king unto the nation of the
Jews was after this manner : King Antiochus sendeth
greeting unto the council, and the rest of the Jews :
If ye fare well, we have our desire ; we are also in
good health. Menelaus declared unto us, that your
20 desire was to return home, and to follow your own
business : wherefore they that will depart shall have
safe conduct till the thirtieth day of Xanthicus with
security. And the Jews shall use their own kind of
meats and laws, as before ; and none of them any
B5 manner of ways shall be molested for things ignor-
antly done. I have sent also Menelaus, that he may
comfort you. Fare ye well. In the hundred forty
and eighth year, and the litteenth day of the month
Xanthicus.
1^,6
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 12; Ver. 1-4.
The Romans also sent unto them a letter contain- The
ing these words : Quintus Memmius and Titus Man- Romans
lius, ambassadors of the Romans, send greeting unto ratify the
the people of the Jews. Whatsoever Lysias the Peace
king's cousin hath granted, therewith we also are well 5
pleased. But touching such things as he judged to
be referred to the king, after ye have advised thereof,
send one forthwith, that we may declare as it is con-
venient for you : for we are now going to Antioch.
Therefore send some with speed, that we may know 10
what is your mind. Farewell. This hundred and
eight and fortieth year, the fifteenth day of the month
Xanthicus.
* When these covenants were made, Lysias went
unto the king, and the Jews were about their 15
husbandry.
But of the governors of several places, Timotheus,
and Apollonius the son of Genneus, also Hieronymus,
and Demophon, and beside them Nicanor the governor
of Cyprus, would not suffer them to be quiet, and 20
live in peace. The men of Joppe also did such an
ungodly deed : they prayed the Jews that dwelt
among them to go with their wives and children into
the boats which they had prepared, as though they
had meant them no hurt. Who accepted of it ac- 25
cording to the common decree of the city, as being
desirous to live in peace, and suspecting nothing : but
when they were gone forth into the deep, they
drowned no less than two hundred of them.
Ch. 12: Ver. 5-13. ^ Second Book
"Judas When Judas heard of this cruelty done unto his
punishes countrymen, he commanded those that were with
the Men him to make them ready. And calling upon God the
of "Joppa righteous Judge, he came against those murderers
ar^d ofoi his brethren, and burnt the haven by night, and
Jamna set the boats on fire, and those that fled thither he
slew. And when the town was shut up, he went
backward, as if he would return to root out all them
of the city of Joppe. But when he heard that the
10 Jamnites were minded to do in like manner unto the
Jews that dwelt among them, he came upon the
Jamnites also by night, and set fire on the haven and
the navy, so that the light of the fire was seen at
Jerusalem two hundred and forty furlongs off.
15 Now when they were gone from thence nine
furlongs in their journey toward Timotheus, no
fewer than five thousand men on foot and five hundred
horsemen of the Arabians set upon him. Where-
upon there was a very sore battle ; but Judas' side
20 by the help of God got the victory ; so that the
Nomades of Arabia, being overcome, besought
Judas for peace, promising both to give him cattle,
and to pleasure him otherwise. Then Judas,
thinking indeed that they would be profitable in
25 many things, granted them peace : whereupon they
shook hands, and so they departed to their tents.
He went also about to make a bridge to a certain
strong city, which was fenced about with walls, and
inhabited by people of divers countries ; and the
133
of Maccabees 5^ Ch. 12; Ver. 13-21.
name of it was Caspis. But they that were within He also
it put such trust in the strength of the walls and captures
provision of victuals, that they behaved themselves Caspis
rudely toward them that were with Judas, railing
and blaspheming, and uttering such words as were s
not to be spoken. Wherefore Judas with his
company, calling upon the great Lord of the world,
who without any rams or engines of war did cast
down Jericho in the time of Joshua, gave a fierce
assault against the walls, and took, the city by the 10
will of God, and made unspeakable slaughters, inso-
much that a lake two furlongs broad near adjoining
thereunto, being filled full, was seen running with
blood. Then departed they from thence seven
hundred and fifty furlongs, and came to Characa 15
unto the Jews that are called Tubieni.
But as for Timotheus, they found him not in the
places : for before he had dispatched any thing, he
departed from thence, having left a very strong
garrison in a certain hold. Howbeit Dositheus and 20
Sosipater, who were of Maccabeus' captains, went
forth, and slew those that Timotheus had left in the
fortress, above ten thousand men. And Maccabeus
ranged his army by bands, and set them over the
bands, and went against Timotheus, who had about 25
him an hundred and twenty thousand men of foot,
and two thousand and five hundred horsemen.
Now when Timotheus had knowledge of Judas'
coming, he sent the women and children and the
139
Ch. 12 ; Ver. 21-27. '^ Second Book
Judas other baggage unto a fortress called Carnion : for
attacks the town was hard to besiege, and uneasy to come
Carnion unto, by reason of the straightness of all the places.
But when Judas his first band came in sight, the
5 enemies, being smitten with fear and terror through
the appearing of him that seeth all things, fled amain,
one running this way, another that way, so as that
they were often hurt of their own men, and
wounded with the points of their own swords.
10 Judas also was very earnest in pursuing them,
killing those wicked wretches, of whom he slew
about thirty thousand men. Moreover Timotheus
himself fell into the hands of Dositheus and Sosi-
pater, whom he besought with much craft to let him
IS ?P with his life, because he had many of the Jews'
parents, and the brethren of some of them, who, if
they put him to death, should not be regarded. So
when he had assured them with many words that he
would restore them without hurt, according to the
2o agreement, they let him go for the saving of their
brethren.
Then Maccabeus marched forth to Carnion, and
to the temple of Atargatis, and there he slew five
and twenty thousand persons. And after he had
25 put to flight and destroyed them, Judas removed the
host toward Ephron, a strong city, wherein Lysias
abode, and a great multitude of divers nations, and
the strong young men kept the walls, and defended
them mightily : wherein also was great provision of
140
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 12; Ver. 27-37,
engines and darts. But when Judas and his company Gorgias of
had called upon Almighty God, who with his power Idumea
breaketh the strength of his enemies, they won the assailed
city, and slew twenty and five thousand of them that
were within. From thence they departed to 5
Scythopolis, which lieth six hundred furlongs from
Jerusalem.
But when the Jews that dwelt there had testified
that the Scythopolitans dealt lovingly with them,
and entreated them kindly in the time of their ad- 10
versity ; they gave them thanks, desiring them to be
friendly still unto them : and so they came to
Jerusalem, the feast of the weeks approaching.
And after the feast, called Pentecost, they went
forth against Gorgias the governor of Idumea, who 15
came out with three thousand men of foot and four
hundred horsemen. And it happened that in their
fighting together a few of the Jews were slain. At
which time Dositheus, one of Bacenor's company,
who was on horseback, and a strong man, was still ao
upon Gorgias, and taking hold of his coat drew him
by force ; and when he would have taken that cursed
man alive, a horseman of Thracia coming upon him
smote off his shoulder, so that Gorgias fled unto
Marisa. 25
Now when they that were with Gorgias had
fought long, and were weary, Judas called upon the
Lord, that he would shew himself to be their
helper and leader of the battle. And with that he
Ch. 12; Ver. 37-44. ^ Second Book
"Judas dis~ began in his own language, and sung psalms with a
covers loud voice, and rushing unawares upon Gorgias' men.
Idolatry he put them to flight. So Judas gathered his host,
among some and came into the city of Odollam. And when the
of his Men seventh day came, they purified themselves, as the
custom was, and kept the sabbath in the same place.
And upon the day following, as the use had been,
Judas and his company came to take up the bodies
of them that were slain, and to bury them with their
10 kinsmen in their fathers' graves. Now under the
coats of every one that was slain they found things
consecrated to the idols of the Jamnites, which is
forbidden the Jews by the law. Then every man
saw that this was the cause wherefore they were
15 slain. All men therefore praising the Lord, the
righteous Judge, who had opened the things that
were hid, betook themselves unto prayer, and be-
sought him that the sin committed might wholly be
put out of remembrance. Besides, that noble Judas
20 exhorted the people to keep themselves from sin,
forsomuch as they saw before their eyes the things
that came to pass for the sins of those that were
slain. And when he had made a gathering through-
out the company to the sum of two thousand drachms
23 of silver, he sent it to Jerusalem to offer a sin offering,
doing therein very well and honestly, in that he was
mindful of the resurrection : for if he had not hoped
that they that were slain should have risen again, it
had been superfluous and vain to pray for the dead.
of Maccabees 5o Ch. 13; Ver. 1.7.
And also in that he perceived that there was great Death of
favour laid up for those that died godly, it was Menelaus
an holy and good thought. Whereupon he made
a reconciliation for the dead, that they might be
delivered from sin. 5
* In the hundred forty and ninth year it was told
Judas, that Antiochus Eupator was coming with a
great power into Judea, and with him Lysias his
protector, and ruler of his affairs, having either of
them a Grecian power of footmen, an hundred and 10
ten thousand, and horsemen five thousand and three
hundred, and elephants two and twenty, and three
hundred chariots armed with hooks.
Menelaus also joined himself with them, and with
great dissimulation encouraged Antiochus, not for the 15
safeguard of the country, but because he thought to
have been made governor. But the King of kings
moved Antiochus' mind against this wicked wretch,
and Lysias informed the king that this man was the
cause of all mischief, so that the king commanded to 20
bring him unto Berea, and to put him to death, as the
manner is in that place. Now there was in that
place a tower of fifty cubits high, full of ashes, and
it had a round instrument, which on every side hanged
down into the ashes. And whosoever was con- 25
demned of sacrilege, or had committed any other
grievous crime, there did all men thrust him unto
death. Such a death it happened that wicked man
to die, not having so much as burial in the earth ;
Ch. 13; Ver. 7.15. ^ Second Book
Antiochus and that most justly : for inasmuch as he had com-
eniers mitted many sins about the altar, whose fire and ashes
"Judea were holy, he received his death in ashes.
iv'tth an Now the king came with a barbarous and haughty
Army mind to do far worse to the Jews, than had been
done in his father's time.
Which things when Judas perceived, he com-
manded the multitude to call upon the Lord night
and day, that if ever at any other time, he would
10 now also help them, being at the point to be put
from their law, from their country, and from the
holy temple : and that he would not suffer the people,
that had even now been but a little refreshed, to be
in subjection to the blasphemous nations. So when
15 they had all done this together, and besought the
merciful Lord with weeping and fasting, and lying
flat upon the ground three days long, Judas, having
exhorted them, commanded they should be in a readi-
ness. And Judas, being apart with the elders, deter-
20 mined, before the king's host should enter into Judea,
and get the city, to go forth and try the matter hi fight
by the help of the Lord. So when he had com-
mitted all to the Creator of the world, and exhorted
his soldiers to fight manfully, even unto death, for
25 the laws, the temple, the city, the country, and the
commonwealth, he camped by Modin : and having
given the watchword to them that were about him,
Victory is of God ; with the most valiant and choice
young men he went in into the king's tent by night,
»44
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 13; Ver. 15-26.
and slew in the camp about four thousand men, and Antiochus
the chiefest of the elephants, with all that were upon Isf 'Judas
him. And at last they filled the camp with fear and are made
tumult, and departed with good success. This was Friends
done in the break of the day, because the protection 5
of the Lord did help him.
Now when the king had taken a taste of the man-
liness of the Jews, he went about to take the holds
by policy, and marched toward Bethsura, which was
a strong hold of the Jews : but he was put to flight, i^
failed, and lost of his men : for Judas had conveyed
unto them that were in it such things as were neces-
sary. But Rhodocus, who was in the Jews' host,
disclosed the secrets to the enemies ; therefore he
was sought out, and when they had gotten him, they 15
put him in prison.
The king treated with them in Bethsura the second
time, gave his hand, took their's, departed, fought
with Judas, was overcome ; heard that Philip, who
was left over the affairs in Antioch, was desperatelv 20
bent, confounded, intreated the Jews, submitted him-
self, and sware to all equal conditions, agreed with
them, and offered sacrifice, honoured the temple, and
dealt kindly with the place, and accepted well of
Maccabeus, made him principal governor from Ptole- 25
mais unto the Gerrhenians ; came to Ptolemais : the
people there were grieved for the covenants ; for they
stormed, because they would make their covenants
void : Lysias went up to the judgment seat, said as
MS
Ch. 14 ; Ver. 1-8. '^ Second Book
Demetrius much as could be in defence of the cause, persuaded,
s/ays pacified, made them well affected, returned to Antioch.
Antiochus Thus it went touching the king's coming and
d5 Lysias departing.
5 * After three years was Judas informed, that Demet-
rius the son of Seleucus, having entered by the haven
of Tripolis with a great power and navy, had taken
the country, and killed Antiochus, and Lysias his
protector,
lo Now one Alcimus, who had been high priest, and
had defiled himself wilfully in the times of their
mingling ivUh the Gentiles, seeing that by no means
he could save himself, nor have any more access to
the holy altar, came to king Demetrius in the hundred
15 and one and fiftieth year, presenting unto him a crown
of gold, and a palm, and also of the boughs which
were used solemnly in the temple : and so that day
he held his peace. Howbeit, having gotten oppor-
tunity to further his foolish enterprise, and being
20 called into counsel by Demetrius, and asked how the
Jews stood affected, and what they intended, he
answered thereunto :
Those of the Jews that be called Assideans, whose
captain is Judas Maccabeus, nourish war, and are
=5 seditious, and will not let the realm be in peace.
Therefore I, being deprived of mine ancestors'
honour, I mean the high priesthood, am now come
hither : first, verily for the unfeigned care I have of
things pertaining to the king ; and secondly, even for
146
of Maccabees 5©» Ch. 14 ; Ver. 8-17.
that I intend the good of mine own countrymen : for Demetr'iui
all our nation is in no small misery through the incensed
unadvised dealing of them aforesaid. Wherefore, O against
king, seeing thou knowest all these things, be careful Judas
for the country, and our nation, which is pressed on 5
every side, according to the clemency that thou
readily shewest unto all. For as long as Judas
liveth, it is not possible that the state should be quiet.
This was no sooner spoken of him, but others of
the king's friends, being maliciously set against Judas, so
did more incense Demetrius. And forthwith calling
Nicanor, who had been master of the elephants, and
making him governor over Judea, he sent him forth,
commanding him to slay Judas, and to scatter them
that were with him, and to make Alcimus high priest 15
of the great temple. Then the heathen, that had fled
out of Judea from Judas, came to Nicanor by flocks,
thinking the harm and calamities of the Jews to be
their welfare.
Now when the Jews heard of Nicanor's copiing, 20
and that the heathen were up against them, they cast
earth upon their heads, and made supplication to him
that had established his people for ever, and who
always helpeth his portion with manifestation of his
presence. So at the commandment of the captain as
they removed straightways from thence, and came
near unto them at the town of Dessau. Now Simon,
Judas' brother, had joined battle with Nicanor, but
was somewhat discomfited through the sudden silence
Ch. i4;Ver. 17-27. ^ Second Book
Nicanor of his enemies. Nevertheless Nicanor, hearing of
^ Judas the manliness of them that were with Judas, and the
make a courageousness that they had to fight for their country,
Compact durst not try the matter by the sword. Wherefore
s he sent Posidonius, and Theodotus, and Mattathias,
to make peace.
So when they had taken long advisement there-
upon, and the captain had made the multitude ac-
quainted therewith, and it appeared that they were
10 all of one mind, they consented to the covenants,
and appointed a day to meet in together by them-
selves : and when the day came, and stools were set
for either of them, Judas placed armed men ready in
convenient places, lest some treachery should be sud-
15 denly practised by the enemies : so they made a
peaceable conference.
Now Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and did no hurt,
but sent av/ay the people that came flocking unto
him. And he would not willingly have Judas out of
20 his sight : for he loved the man from his heart. He
prajed him also to take a wife, and to beget children:
so he married, was quiet, and took part of this life.
But Alcimus, perceiving the love that was betwixt
them, and considering the covenants that were made,
23 came to Demetrius, and told him that Nicanor was
not well affected toward the state ; for that he had
ordained Judas, a traitor to his realm, to be the king's
successor. Then the king being in a rage, and pro-
voked with the accusations of the most wicked man,
143
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 14; Ver. 27-35.
wrote to Nicanor, signifying that he was much dis- N'lcanor's
pleased with the covenants, and commanding him that Treachery
he should send Maccabeus prisoner in all haste unto
Antioch. When this came to Nicanor's hearing, he
was much confounded in himself, and took it griev- 5
ously that he should make void the articles which
were agreed upon, the man being in no fault. But
because there was no dealing against the king, he
watched his time to accomplish this thing by policy.
Notwithstanding, when Maccabeus saw that Nica- ^o
nor began to be churlish unto him, and that he
entreated him more roughly than he was wont, per-
ceiving that such sour behaviour came not of good,
he gathered together not a few of his men, and with-
drew himself from Nicanor. But the other, knowing is
that he was notably prevented by Judas' policy, came
into the gieat and holy temple, and commanded the
priests, that were offering their usual sacrifices, to
deliver him the man. And when they sware that
they could not tell where the man was whom he 20
sought, he stretched out his right hand toward the
temple, and made an oath in this manner : If ye will
not deliver me Judas as a prisoner, I will lay this
temple of God even with the ground, and I will
break down the altar, and erect a notable temple unto 25
Bacchus. After these words he departed.
Then the priests lifted up their hands toward
heaven, and besought him that was ever a defender
of their nation, saying in this manner; Thou, O Lord
M J49
Ch. 14; Ver. 35-45. -d-^ Second Book
Courage of all things, who hast need of nothing, wast pleased
of Razis that the temple of thine habitation should be among
us : therefore now, O holy Lord of all holiness, keep
this house ever undefiled, which lately, was cleansed,
5 and stop every unrighteous mouth.
Now was there accused unto Nicanor one Razis,
one of the elders of Jerusalem, a lover of his country-
men, and a man of very good report, who for his
kindness was called a father of the Jews. For in the
10 former times, when they mingled not themselves with
the Gentiles, he had been accused of Judaism, and
did boldly jeopard his body and life with all vehe-
mency for the religion of the Jews. So Nicanor, will-
ing to declare the hate that he bare unto the Jews,
IS sent above five hundred men of war to take him : for
he thought by taking him to do the Jews much hui't.
Now when the multitude would have taken the
tower, and violently broken into the outer door, and
bade that fire should be brought to burn it, he being
so ready to be taken on every side fell upon his sword ;
choosing rather to die manfully, than to come into
the hands of the wicked, to be abused otherwise than
beseemed his noble birth : but missing his stroke
through haste, the multitude also rushing within the
25 doors, he ran boldly up to the wall, and cast himself
down manfully among the thickest of them. But
they quickly giving back, and a space being made, he
fell down into the midst of the void place. Never-
theless, while there was yet breath within him, being
150
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 15 ; Ver. 1-7.
inflamed with anger, he rose up ; and though his Nicanor
blood gushed out like spouts of water, and his resolves
wounds were grievous, yet he ran through the midst to attack
of the throng ; and standing upon a steep rock, when Judas
as his blood was now quite gone, he plucked out his s
bowels, and taking them in both his hands, he cast
them upon the throng, and calling upon the Lord of
life and spirit to restore him those again, he thus
died.
* But Nicanor, hearing that Judas and his company 10
were in the strong places about Samaria, resolved
without any danger to set upon them on the sabbath
day. Nevertheless the Jews that were compelled to
go with him said, O destroy not so cruelly and bar-
barously, but give honour to that day, which he, that 15
seeth all things, hath honoured with holiness above
other days. Then the most ungracious wretch de-
manded, if there were a Mighty one in heaven, that
had commanded the sabbath day to be kept. And
when they said. There is in heaven a living Lord, 20
and mighty, who commanded the seventh day to be
kept : then said the other. And I also am mighty
upon earth, and I command to take arms, and to do
the king's business. Yet he obtained not to have his
wicked will done. 25
So Nicanor in exceeding pride and haughtiness
determined to set up a publick monument of his
victory over Judas and them that were with him.
But Maccabeus had ever sure confidence that the
Ch. 15; Ver. 7-15. ^ Second Book
Judas has Lord would help him : wherefore he exhorted his
a Vision people not to fear the coming of the heathen against
Iff encour- them, but to remember the help which in former
ages his times they had received from heaven, and now to
Men expect the victory and aid, which should come unto
theretuith them from the Almighty. And so comforting them
out of the law and the prophets, and withal putting
them in mind of the battles that they won afore, he
made them more cheerful. And when he had stirred
10 up their minds, he gave them their charge, shewing
them therewithal the falsehood of the heathen, and
the breach of oaths. Thus he armed every one of
them, not so much with defence of shields and spears,
as with comfortable and good words : and beside that,
IS he told them a dream worthy to be believed, as if it
had been so indeed, which did not a little rejoice
them.
And this was his vision : That Onias, who had
been high priest, a virtuous and a good man, reverend
20 in conversation, gentle in condition, well spoken also,
and exercised from a child in all points of virtue,
holding up his hands prayed for the whole body of
the Jews. This done, in like manner there appeared
a man with gray hairs, and exceeding glorious, who
25 was of a wonderful and excellent majesty. Then
Onias answered, saying. This is a lover of the
brethren, who prayeth much for the people, and for
the holy city, to wit, Jeremias the prophet of God.
Whereupon Jeremias holding forth his right hand
ofMaccabees^^ Ch. 15; Ver. 15-22.
gave to Judas a sword of gold, and in giving it spake Judas pre'
thus, Take this holy sword, a gift from God, v]'\\}!\ pares to
the which thou shalt wound the adversaries. meet
Thus being well comforted by the words of Judas, Nicanor
which were very good, and able to stir them up to 5
valour, and to encourage the hearts of the young
men, they determined not to pitch camp, but courage-
ously to set upon them, and manfully to try the
matter by conflict, because the city and the
sanctuary and the temple were in danger. For the 10
care that they took for their wives, and their
children, their brethren, and kinsfolks, was in least
account with them : but the greatest and principal
fear was for the holy temple. Also they that were
in the city took not the least care, being troubled for 15
the conflict abroad. And now, when as all looked
what should be the trial, and the enemies were already
come near, and the army was set in array, and the
beasts conveniently placed, and the horsemen set in
wings, Maccabeus seeing the coming of the multi- 20
tude, and the divers preparations of armour, and the
fierceness of the beasts, stretched out his hands to-
ward heaven, and called upon the Lord that worketh
wonders, knowing that victory cometh not by arms,
but even as it seemeth good to him, he giveth it to 25
such as are worthy : therefore in his prayer he said
after this manner ;
O Lord, thou didst send thine angel in the time
of Ezekias king of Judea, and didst slay in the host of
153
Ch. 15 ; Ver. 22-33- ^ Second Book
Defeat iff Sennacherib an hundred fourscore and five thousand :
Death o/" wherefore now also, O Lord of heaven, send a good
Nkanor angel before us for a fear and dread unto them ; and
through the might of thine arm let those be stricken
5 with terror, that come against thy holy people to
blaspheme. And he ended thus. Then Nicanor
and they that were with him came forward with
trumpets and songs. But Judas and his company
encountered the enemies with invocation and prayer.
10 So that fighting with their hands, and praying unto
God with their hearts, they slew no less than thirty
and five thousand men : for through the appearance
of God they were greatly cheered.
Now when the battle was done, returning again
IS with joy they knew that Nicanor lay dead in his
harness. Then they made a great shout and a noise,
praising the Almighty in their own language. And
Judas, who was ever the chief defender of the
citizens both in body and mind, and who continued
2o his love toward his countrymen all his life, com-
manded to strike off Nicanor's head, and his hand
with his shoulder, and bring them to Jerusalem.
So when he was there, and had called them of
his nation together, and set the priests before the
25 altar, he sent for them that were of the tower,
and shewed them vile Nicanor's head, and the hand
of that blasphemer, which with proud brags he had
stretched out against the holy temple of the Almighty.
And when he had cut out the tongue of that ungodly
'54
of Maccabees ^ Ch. 15 ; Ver. 33-39.
Nicanor, he commanded that they should give it by The City
pieces unto the fowls, and hang up the reward of his Sas Peace
madness before the temple. So every man praised
toward the heaven the glorious Lord, saying, Blessed
be he that hath kept his own place undefiled. He 5
hanged also Nicanor's head upon the tower, an
evident and manifest sign unto all of the help of the
Lord. And they ordained all with a common de-
cree in no case to let that day pass without solemnity,
but to celebrate the thirteenth day of the twelfth 10
month, which in the Syrian tongue is called Adar,
the day before Mardocheus' day.
— * —
Thus went it with Nicanor : and from that time
forth the Hebrews had the city in their power. And
here will I make an end. And if / have done well, 15
and as is fitting the story, it is that which I desired :
but if slenderly and meanly, it is that which I could
attain unto. For as it is hurtful to drink wine or
water alone ; and as wine mingled with water is
pleasant, and delighteth the taste : even so speech 20
finely framed delighteth the ears of them that read
the story. And here shall be an end.
'55
Notes
FIRST MACCABEES
p. I, II. 1-22. JUsiorica/Ijtfroduc^z'on, covering the period B.C.
331-176.
p. I, 1. 3. 'Chettiim' (or Chittim) = Cyprus, so called from its
ancient capital Cition, but the name was afterwards freely applied
to the islands and western coasts of the Mediterranean, and even
to Greece and Macedonia.
p. I, 1. 5. ' The first over Greece,' 'in former time over Greece'
(R.V.). The text is perhaps corrupt, and these words, though
well attested, may be the gloss of a reader who wished to fore-
stall the idea that Alexander had first obtained a kingdom by
conquering Darius.
p. 1, 1. 12. ' Kings," principalities' (R.V.), probably satrapes.
p. I, 1. 16. ' Parted his kingdom.' The story seems to have
been credited by the author of i Mace, but must be regarded as
purely legendary.
J^irst divisio7t of the book (i. lo-ii. 70). Rise of the Maccabman
revolt (r>. c. 1 75- 1 66).
p. 2, 1. 2. The surname Epiphanes (Illustrious) was not in-
aptly parodied into Epimanes (the Madcap).
p. 2, 1. 4. ' Reigned,' became king. Cp. 2 Kings xv. 10. The year
137 of the Seleucid era (cp. Introduction, p. i.) = B.c. 176-175.
p. 2, 1. 6. The reference is to the Greek party led by Jason.
Cp. 2 Mace. iv. 7 fF,
p. 2, 1. 14. ' A place of exercise,* a gymnasium.
p. 2, 1. 18. 'Were sold,' sold themselves. Cp. r Kings xxL
20 ; Rom. vii. 14.
p. 2, 11. 22-25. The reference is to the second Egj-ptian cam-
157
Notes. ^ The Books
paign of Epiphanes (B.C. 170), and to Ptolemy VI., Philometor.
C/>. 2 Mace V. I.
p. 3, 1. II. These treasures consisted partly of money dedi-
cated to God in the Temple treasury (the ' Corban ' of Mark vii.
11), and partly of sums lodged in the bank of deposit mentioned
in 2 Mace. iii. 10-22.
p. 3, 1. 23. The ' chief collector ' was ApoUonius. Cj>. iii.
10 ; 2 Mace. v. 24.
p. 4, 1. 4. By ' the city of David ' is meant not the whole of
Jerusalem, but the southern part of the Temple mount (' Sion').
As the writer usually applies the term to the Acra or citadel,
which was garrisoned by the Syrians, the likelihood is that it
' lay on the Temple hill, and presumably on the site of the later
Antonia' (W. R. Smith), i.e., north-west of the Temple.
p. 4, 1. 7. 'Nation' is used here loosely, almost in the sense
of ' gang.' Cp. Isa. i. 4.
p. 4, 1. 10. * They became,' ' it became,' as in ver. 36, where
the stronghold is personified. Cj>. xiii. 51.
p. 5, 11. 23-25. As the 25th Chislev (December) was un-
doubtedly the date of the desecration (ver. 59, iv. 52-54), we
must either regard the 15th as the day on which the pagan altar
was built or commenced, or set down * fifteenth ' as an error on
the part of the writer or of his Greek translator. The year 145
= B.C. 168. By 'abomination of desolation' is meant the idol
altar of ver. 59. The phrase was probably taken from the
LXX. rendering of an obscure expression in Dan. xi. 31, and
may mean abomination causin<^ desolation.
p. 6, 1. 2. Lit., 'a book of the covenant.' Many would pos-
sess only a part of the Pentateuch.
p. 6, 1. 8. In I Mace, the word used to denote a heathen altar
is always different from that which denotes the altar of God.
p. 6, 1. 20. The cruelties of Epiphanes were the expression of
God's wrath. Cp. ii. 49 ; 2 Kings iii. 27.
p. 6, 11. 21-27. Genealogy of the Maccabees. Gaddisis gener-
ally supposed to mean ' my fortune ' ; Thassi, ' the zealous,' or
*the guide'; Maccabreus, 'the hammerer'; Avaran, 'the
158
of Maccabees 5^ Notes.
piercer ' ; and Apphus, ' the dissembler. ' The names, however,
may be merely distinctive epithets.
p. 6, 1. 23. * Modin,' now el Medtjeh, between Joppa and Jeru-
salem.
p. ^, 1, I. The order of 'Friends' (counsellors) was estab-
lished in connection with most Oriental monarchies.
p. 8, 1. 9. 'Heaven forbid' (R.V.). 'God 'is absent from
the book.
p. 8, 1. 21. According to Josephus, his name was Apelles.
p. 9, 1. 8. ' The host,' the forces = garrison in Acra.
p. 10, 1. II. 'The Assideans,' or rather Hasidseans (Heb.,
hasTdini = ^ ■pions ones') were a body of Jews who before the
Maccabaean revolt had banded themselves together in opposition
to the Hellenising measures of Antiochus IV., Epiphanes. Their
aims were purely religious, and they co-operated with the Mac-
cabees only so long as they fought for the restoration of Jewish
worship. Cj>. vii, 13.
p. 10, 1. 17. 'Wicked men,' lawless men, i.e., apostate Jews.
p. 10, 1. 23. ' Proud men,' sons of pride, a Hebraism. Cp.
i. 21.
p. 11,1. II. ' Our father,' z.«., our ancestor. .S'^^ Numb. xxv.
13-
p. II, 1. 12. 'Jesus,' Greek form of Joshua. Cp. Heb. iv. 8.
p. II, 1. 15. 'The heritage of the land,' a heritage of land,
viz. , the city of Hebron. Cp. Numb. xiv. 24.
p. II, 1. 16. This passage has been viewed as Messianic; but
even if the writer did contemplate the reign of the Messiah, he
may not have meant to ascribe such an expectation to Mattathias.
p. 12, 1. 3, Mattathias may not, of course, really have used
the surname in the case of Judas any more than in that of Simon.
In I Mace, the name Judas, in 2 Mace, the surname Maccabreus,
is the usual designation.
p. 12, 1. 10. The year 146 = 3.0. 167-166.
Second division of the book (m. l-ix.22). Leadership of Judas
Maccaba:us (^.C. 166-161).
p. 12, 1. 21. 'The host'; rather, 'the camp,' as in ver. 41,
159
Notes. ^ The Books
etc. , although in this book the Greek word usually means army.
C/>. iii. 57, etc.
p. 13, 1. 12. Cp. David's use of the sword of Goliath (l Sam.
xxi. 9).
p. 13, 1. 19. ' So he made him ready to go up' ; rather, * And
he went up again,' but as the same army had not gone up pre-
viously, we must render, with R.V. , 'And there went up with
him also.'
p. 13, 1. 23. 'Bethhoron.' On the highway between Lydda
and Jerusalem, and divided by a precipitous pass into an upper
and a lower division. C/. Josh. x. 16 ff.
p. 13, 1. 28. Read: ' We are also faint.* ' We' is emphatic.
p. 14, 1. 9. 'The Lord himself,' he himself. Most MSS.
omit the substantive. Victory lies on whichever side God is, and
He will be on our side seeing we have a good cause — that is the
argument of Judas.
p. 14, 1. 27. Owing to the impoverished state of the Syrian
treasury, soldiers had to be paid in advance.
p. 15, 1. 23. The Seleucid year 147 = 8.0. 166-165.
p. 16, 1. I. Ptolemy, the son of Dorymenes, was surnamed
Macron (2 Mace. x. 12), and was governor of Ccelesyria and
Phoenicia (2 Mace. viii. S).
p. 16, 1. 2. Nicanor was 'the son of Patroclus, one of the
king's foremost Friends' (2 Mace. -viii. 9). In i Mace. Gorgias,
and in 2 Mace. Nicanor, is given the chief prominence.
p. 16, 1. 8. Emmaus. Now 'Amwas, twenty-two Roman
miles from Jerusalem.
p. 16, 1. 10. ' Servants.' Although this is the best attested
reading, that of Josephus [A7ii. XII. vii. 3) and the Syriac, viz.,
' fetters,' may with R.V. be accepted as an emendation.
p. 17, 1. 3. ' Maspha,' Greek form of Heb. Mizpeh or Mizpah
('watch-tower'). The Mizpeh referred to here is that in the
tribe of Benjamin, the modern Neby SamwU (2970 feet). Cp.
I Sam. vii. 6-9.
p. 17,1.8. The Greek text appears to be a mistranslation. As
it stands, the meaning seems to be that the heathen sought to find
t6o
of Maccabees ^ Notes.
in the law analogies to their own mythology. So R.V. The
original Hebrew may, however, have read ' upon which the
heathen had scrawled the likenesses of their idols,' in order, i.e.,
to outrage Jewish religious feeling.
p. 17, 1. 10. On the Nazarite vows see Numb. vi. 3, 5.
p. 18, 1. I. 'The camp,' the army.
p. 18, 1. 9. ' As may be the will in heaven.' As usual, the
author avoids the use of the Divine Name.
p. 18, 1. 1 1. ' Removed out of the camp,' ' the army removed '
(R.V.).
p. 19,1. 5. ' If peradventure theLord will,' 'if peradventure it'
{i.e. heaven) 'will,' etc. R.V. renders, 'if he will have us.' Cp.
Matt, xxvii. 43.
p. 19, 1. 17. ' Gazera,' the ancient Gezer (Josh. x. 33, etc.), the
Mont Gisart of the Crusades and the modern Tell-el-Jezcr.
p. 20, I. 6. 'The land of strangers,' i.e., of the Philistines.
p. 20, 1. 8. 'Blue silk.' Omit 'silk.' The Greek word is
hyacinth, which denotes a blue or violet purple as distinct
from the still more precious red 'sea purple' or Tyrian dye,
also mentioned here.
p. 20, 1. 10. ' Praised the Lord in heaven,' ' gave praise unto
heaven' (R.V.), or perhaps 'towards heaven,' i.e., with eyes
and voices directed heavenwards. Cp. ver. 55.
p. 20, 1. 20. ' The next year,' i.e., the Seleucld year 148 = 6.0.
165-164.
p. 20, 1. 24. 'Bethsura,' or Beth-zur ('house of the rock'),
between Halhul and Gedor (Josh. xv. 58), among the mountains
of Judah {Beit-Stir).
p. 21, 1. 24. ' Shrubs growing.' This may be no exaggeration ;
in semi-tropical lands the growth of vegetation is rapid.
p. 22, 1. 14. Although it was recognised that prophecy had
ceased (ix. 27), there was an expectation abroad that there
would yet arise a great prophet who would declare God's will
about this and other difficult problems. Cp. xiv. 41. There is
no specific reference to the Messiah.
p. 22, L 21. 'The altar of burnt offerings and of incense.' It
161
Notes. ^ The Books
is not easy to understand what is meant by this, as the altar of
burnt-offerings stood in the outer court, and has been previously
mentioned (ver. 47). Yet it is the reading of the most ancient
MSS.
p. 23, 1. 5. Omit ' look.' The date was the third anniversary
of the profanation. Cp. i. 59.
p. 23, 1. 12. The Feast of the Dedication or Renewal (John
X. 22) became henceforth an annual observance (ver. 59 ; 2 Mace.
X. 6-8).
p. 24, 1. 9. ' Arabattine,' Akrabattine, so called from the high
ridge Akrabbim (Numb, xxxiv. 4, etc.), on the south-east border
of Judah.
p. 24, 1. II. 'Abated,' an archaism for bated, from French
abattre, to beat down.
p. 24, 1. 13. ' Bean,' the name of a chief, or of a place other-
wise unknown.
p. 24, 1. 23. ' Jazer' (or Ja'azer), east of Jordan, in Gad.
p. 24, 1. 25. ' Galaad' = Gilead, i.e., Jewish territory east of
Jordan.
p. 24, 1. 28. ' Dathema,' within a few hours of Bosor (ver. 29).
p. 25, I. 7. 'The places of Tobie' (R.V., 'Tubias'), the land
of Tob. Cp. Judges xi. 3 ; 2 Mace. xii. 17.
p. 25, 1. 14. 'Ptolemais' = Accho (Judges i. 31), the modern
Acre.
p, 26, 1. II. ' Arbattis.' This place has not been identified.
p. 26, 1. 17. ' Nabathites' or Nabathseans, a nomadic tribe of
Arabs, whose capital was Petra.
p. 26, 1. 20. ' Bosora,' probably = Bosra or Bostra, in the
Hauran.
p. 26, 1. 21, 'Bosor,' probably 5«jr, in the south of the Leja.
Alema, Casphor (Casphon, ver. 36) and Maked have not
been identified. Carnaim = 'Carnion' of 2 Mace. xii. 21,26;
' Ashteroth-Karnaim ' of Gen. xiv. 5, and 'Ashtaroth' of Deut.
i. 4.
p. 26, 1. 25. There may have been some smaller forts inside
the outer ramparts of Dathema.
162
of Maccabees ^^ Notes.
p. 27, 1. 24. ' Raphon.' Perhaps = Raphana, one of the cities
of the Decapolis.
p. 28, 1. II. 'Scribes of the people.' 'The registrars men-
tioned in Deut. xx. 5-9, who kept the lists of the troops,
assigned the place of encampment, and looked after the order of
the march ' (Ewald).
p. 28, 1. 26. ' Ephron,' east of Jordan, over against Bethshan ;
now Gefnin.
p. 29, 1. 17. ' Bethsan ' or Bethshan ('house of security')
known during the Greek period as Scythopolis, now Beisdtt,
four miles west of the Jordan. Cp. i Sam. xxxi. 10, 12.
p. 29, 1. 22. ' Not one of them.' The writer is perhaps merely
recording the tradition of his time.
p. 30, 1. 25. Instead of ' Samaria,' the old Latin reads Afarissa
(Mareshah or Moresheth-Gath, Micah i. 14 f.). This town,
between Hebron and Ashdod, certainly lay more on the line of
march. Cp. 2 Mace. xii. 35.
p. 31, 1. 5. ' Elymais,' etc. The statement of A.V. is geo-
graphically inaccurate, Elymais (the O.T. 'Elam') being not
the name of a city, but of a province between Media and the
Persian Gulf Read, 'in Elymais in Persia there was a city' (R.V.).
p. 31, 1. 24. ' The abomination.' So called from the standpoint
of the writer, who also puts into the mouth of the dying monarch
such sentiments as he considered appropriate.
p. 32, 1. 17. Although Persia was part of his kingdom, it was
virtually a foreign land to Antiochus.
p. 32, 1. 18. ' Philip.' A Phrygian (2 Mace. v. 22), and com-
panion of Antiochus in youth (2 Mace. ix. 29).
p. 32, 1. 22. ' Died there,' etc. According to Polybius, at the
upland town of Tabae. The year 149 — B.C. 164-163.
p. 32, 1. 26. ' Young.' According to Appian, only nine years
of age.
p. 33. 1. 6. ' Mounts for shot,' shooting towers and engines of
war.
p. 34, 1. 9. ' Bathzacharias.' Between Jerusalem and Bethzur^
now Beit Sakariyeh.
163
Notes. ^ The Books
p. 34, 1. 14. The passage must mean either (i) that the juice
of grapes and mulberries was intended to represent blood to the
elephants, and so prepare them for battle ; or (2) that this liquor,
of which they were fond, was shown to the animals and then
withdrawn in order to madden them.
p. 34, 1. 16. 'Among the armies,' 'among the phalanxes'
(R.V.).
p. 34, 1. 21. More correctly, as R.V., 'These were ready
beforehand, wheresoever the beast was.'
p. 34, 1. 27. ' Two and thirty.' This must either be a mis-
translation or a copyist's error, as a war elephant seldom carried
more than three or four men.
p. 35, 1. 2. ' Giving them signs what to do.' The text is in
disorder. R.V. translates, 'striking terror' (into the enemy)
'and protected by the phalanxes.'
p. 35, 1. 15. ' Savaran.' Cp. ii. 5, where the surname is given
as Avaran, probably the true form.
p. 35, 1. 18. 'Gave himself to deliver his people' (R.V. ).
p. 36, 1. 10. C/>. Shakespeare, i Henry VI., I. iv. 15, 'A
piece of ordnance I have placed.'
p. 36, 1. 12. ' Held them battle.' An archaism = ' fought.'
p. 36, 11. 13-17. Following the best attested reading, R.V.
renders, ' But there were no victuals in the sanctuary. '
p. 37, 1. 22. Demetrius I., Soter, son of Seleucus IV., Philo-
pator. The statement that he landed ' with a few men ' is at
variance with 2 Mace. xiv. i.
p. 37, 1. 25. The tenses are not properly represented in A.V.
Read with R.V. : '^Vhen he would enter . . . laid hands on
Antiochus.'
p. 38, 1. 24. ' Scribes.' The term is used in its technical sense
ctf professional students of the law, and is therefore not =
Assidxans. Cp. note on ii. 42.
p. 39, 1. 4. ' He '(the psalmist) ' wrote.' This is virtually the
usual form of quotation from Scripture. Cj>. John v. 46. The
words quoted are from Ps. Ixxix. 2, 3.
p. 39, 1. 13- ' Bezeth,' unidentified.
164
of Maccabees 5o» Notes.
p. 39, 1. 14. ' The men that had forsaken him.' R. V. renders
'deserters.' The text is obscure, but the reference seems to be
to Jews who had allied themselves with the Greek party, but
were distrusted by Bacchides.
p. 40, 1. 20. ' Capharsalama,' unidentified.
p. 40, 1. 21. ' Five thousand.' The correct reading is probably
500.
p. 41, 1. 7. With R.V. omit 'O Lord' here and in ver. 41.
p. 41, !. 15. 'Adasa.' Probably Khurbet Adasa, between
Jerusalem and Bethhoron.
p. 41, !. 17. 'Of the Assyrians.' R.V. rightly omits these
words as a gloss. Cp. the account in 2 Kings xvii. and xix.,
and Byron's verses on 'The Destruction of Sennacherib.'
p. 41, 1. 24. The date of this battle (Adar= March B.C. 161)
is given with reference to the future annual observance of the
day (ver. 49).
p. 42, 1. 16. 'The Romans.' While there is no reason to
doubt the fact of a treaty having been entered into between the
Jews and the Romans, the narrative is marked by several errors
of detail. Stanley {Jewish Church, iii. 350) gives the follow-
ing list : — ' (i) Spain was not wholly reduced till the reduction of
Cantabria, B.C. 19. (2) The elephants at the battle of Magnesia
were not 120, but (Livy, x.xxviii. 39) 54. (3) Antiochus was
not taken prisoner. (4) His dominions did not include India.
(5) The conquest of /Etolia was fifteen years later. (6) The
Senate was not 320, but 300. (7) One consul is substituted for
two. (8) The Roman factions are ignored.'
p. 42, 1. 22. It is uncertain whether the reference is to the
Galatians of Asia Minor or to the Gauls of Upper Italy. The
mention of ' tribute ' seems to favour the latter view.
p. 43, 11. 4-6. Philip III. of Macedon was defeated at Cynos-
cephalae in B.C. 197 ; Perseus, his successor, at Pydna in
B.C. 168 ; Antiochus III., the Great, at Magnesia in B.C.
190.
p. 46, 1. 7. Read, as marg. and R.V., ' the right wing (of his
army).'
N j6s
Notes. ^ The Book?
p. 46, 1. 8. ' Galgala ' = Gilgal. The site has not been definitely
fixed. Josephus has 'Galilee' (AnL XII. xi. i).
p. 46, 11. 9, 10. ' Massaloth ... in Arbela.' Neither place
nor district can be with certainty identified. The same is true of
Berea, which is not the place mentioned in 2 Mace, xiii, 4.
p. 46, 1. 15. ' Eleasa' or Elasa, perhaps = A7i«r3f/ //'aji, be-
tween the two Bethhorons.
p. 46, 1. 27. ' Dehorted,' an archaism, properly the converse of
'exhorted.' R.V. renders 'dissuaded.'
p. 47, 1. 9. ' In the foreward,' ' in the front of the battle' (R.V.)
— another archaic usage.
p. 47, 1. 19. 'Azotus' (not = Ashdod) is perhaps a mistaken
rendering of the Heb. Ashedoih — ' declivities ' of ' the mountain'
or hill country of Judsa.
p. 48, II. 3, 4. ' Not written.' See Introduction, p. xvii. ff.
Thi7-d division of the book (ix. 23-xii. 53). Leadership of
fonathan the high priest (B.C. 191-143).
p. 48, 1. 22. ' Prince and captain,' ruler and leader. Only
Simon had the title of prince or ethnarch (xv. i, 2).
p. 49, 1. I. 'Asphar,' probably i5i'r.S'g/>^z<3, south-west of Engedi.
p. 49, 1. 2-p. 50, 1. 3. The passage is difficult. A.V. regards
vers. 35-42 as parenthetical, and renders the aorists as pluperfects.
This furnishes a reason for Bacchides crossing the Jordan, but is
perhaps not grammatically allowable. The fight seems to have
taken place on the east of Jordan, in which case Jonathan and
his followers swam over to the west side.
p. 49, 1. 8. ' Medaba,' a town of Moab.
p. 49, 1. 12. ' Nadabatha,' east of Jordan, but unidentified.
p. 49, 1. 29. At certain seasons of overflow (Josh. iii. 15) the
Jordan cuts a new channel from a point on its east bank to the
north-east corner of the Dead Sea. The marsh of Jordan = the
delta thus formed.
p. 50, 1. 21. G. A. Smith takes Thamnatha-Pharathoni here
as 'evidently one place,' and would find it in Pir'aton in IVady
Far^ak. Tephon probably = Tappuah, now Teffiih, three miles
west of Hebron.
166
of Maccabees i)^ Notes.
p. 50, 1. 29-p. 51,1.4. The dateislyar (=:May) B.C. 160-159.
'The prophets ' = Haggai and Zechariah, through whose instru-
mentality Zerubbabel's temple was built.
p. 51, 1. 27. ' Bethbasi ' has not been identified.
p. 52, 1. 8. ' Odonarkes.' There seems to be no authority for
this reading. R. V. has * Odomera,' a name otherwise unknown.
p. 52, 1. 29. ' Machmas'=Michmash {Mukhm&s), four miles
south-east of Bethel.
p. 53, 1. 3. The i6oth year of the Seleucid era=B.c. 153-152.
Alexander (Balas) was in reality a pretender.
p. 54, 1. 19. The office of high priest had been vacant for
seven years, i.e., since the death of Alcimus.
p. 54, 1.21. 'A purple robe and a crown of gold ' = emblems of
royalty (viii. 14), as well as special tokens of royal favour towards
distinguished persons (vers. 62, 64 ; Esther viii. 15).
p. 54, 1. 24. The 15th Tishri of the year i6o = B.c. 153.
P- 55) 1. 17. ' Of the seed,' i.e., of the crop yielded by it.
p. 55, 1. 20. 'The three governments' or toparchies (xi. 28) =
Aphaerema, Lydda, and Ramathaim (xi. 34). The words ' and
Galilee ' are either an error or a textual corruption.
P- 55> !• 23. ' Holy,' i.e., regarded as sacred to God.
p. 56, 1. 27. Read 'the places suitable,' i.e., where the money
could most easily be spared.
p. 57, 1. II. 'Out of the king's revenues' (R.V.).
p. 57, 1. 21. ' Entreated,' an archaism for ' treated.' Cp. xi. 26.
p. 57, 11. 25, 26. R.\'., following another and strongly attested
reading, transposes the names Demetrius and Alexander.
p. 58,1. I. Ptolemy VI., Fhilometer(B.c. 180-146), is referred
to.
p. 59, 1. 15. 'Chief Friend,' a higher order, probably, than
that of ' Friend.'
p. 59, 1. 16. Rather, 'a captain and governor of a province'
(R.V.). The meaning is that Jonathan was invested with both
the military and the civil command in addition to his spiritual
supremacy as high priest.
p. 59, 1. 24. More correctly, ' Co^lesyria ' = the hollow between
1O7
Notes. ^ The Books
the Lebanons, but in the Greek period used as the designation
for all Eastern Palestine.
p. 60, 1. 7. ' Twice,' as recorded in vi. 47 and ix. 6, 18.
p. 61, 1. 8. Render, ' And the horsemen were scattered in the
plain, and they ' {i.e., the infantry) ' fled.'
p. 61, 1. 9. ' Beth-dagon' = house (temple) of Dagon, com-
monly regarded as a fish god, but by some connected with dagan,
* corn.'
p. 6.1, 1. 23. 'Accaron' = Ekron ('^i'/r), nine miles from the sea.
p. 62, 1. 18. ' Eleutherus,' a winter torrent dividing Syriafrom
Phoenicia.
p. 63, 1. 15. Lit., as A.V. marg. and R.V., 'they that were in
his strongholds were slain by them that were in the strong-
holds,' i.e., the garrisons placed by Ptolemy in the fortified
towns (ver. 3) were slain by the native population.
p. 64, 1. 14. Although ' with the country of Samaria' is found
in all the MSS., yet in view of x. 30 and xi. 34 we must read
* of Samaria,' or 'which were added to Judtea from Samaria.'
The Greek translator seems to have misunderstood the Hebrew
text.
p. 64, 11. 27, 28. ' Apherema,' probably = Ephraim (John xi. 54)
= Ophrah of Benjamin, now Taiyibeh. Lydda = Lud (i Chron.
viii. 12), between Joppa and Jerusalem. Ramathem or Rama-
thaim = Ramah ( I Sam. i. l) in Ephraim.
p. 65, 1. 19. ' Tryphon ' {.dcbauchi) was only a surname. His
real name was Diodotus.
p. 66, 1. 12. The numbers here and in p. 66, 1. 20, are pro-
bably exaggerated.
p. 67, 1. 17. ' Four,' i.e., the 'three ' of ver. 34, and probably
Ekron (x. 89).
p. 67, 1. 23. ' The Ladder o{Tyx&,' xhtxao^&xn Rds-en-Nakfirah,
on the coast between Tyre and Ptolemais, is a lofty headland, the
ascent of which is made by a steep zigzag path cut out of the
rock. Hence the name ' Ladder.'
p. 68, 1. 8. ' Cades' or Kedesh ('holy'), in Naphtali, a city
of refuge.
168
of Maccabees ^ Notes.
p. 68, 1. 17. ' Gennesar ' = Gennesareth. The earliest occur-
rence of this name for the Sea of Galilee. ' Gen' = garden ;
• Nesar ' = Galilee.
p. 68, 1. 18. ' Hazor,' in Naphtali, south of Kedesh, overlook-
ing Lake Merom.
p. 69, 1. 21. ' The elders,' etc., i.e. i\\t gerousia or senate, later
= Sanhedrin.
p. 69, 1. 25. Although ' Darius' is the reading of the MSS.,
ver. 20 shows that the correct form is Arms.
p. 70, 1. 23. ' Amity,' an archaism for political friendship. Cp.
Shakespeare, 3 Hen. VI., III. iii. 53 f. : —
' First to do greetings to thy royal person ;
And then to crave a league of amiiy ;
And lastly to confirm that amity
With nuptial knot.'
p. 70, 1. 28. Read, with R.V., ' which they sent to Onias.'
' Oniares ' is a wrong reading due to a careless scribe, who com-
bined the dative Onia with the Areios of ver. 20.
p. 71, 1. I . Although there was really no race afiSnity between
the Jews and the Spartans, it is quite credible that they may
have formed a friendly alliance, cemented by written documents.
But this is noc to say that we have these in the letters before us,
which are probably attempts to restore the lost originals.
p. 71, 1. 14. ' Amathis,' Amathitis = the Syrian Hamath.
p. 71, 1. 24. After 'camp' supply 'and departed.' This is
necessary in order to make ver. 29 intelligible.
p. 72, 1. 18. 'The brook * = Kidron.
p. 72, 1. 20. ' Caphenatha.' The derivation of this name is
unknown.
p. 72,1. 21. 'Adi<la' = Hadid (Ezraii. 33,etc.), fourmilesfrom
Lydda. By ' Seph jla ' (the LXX. rendering of the Heb. She-
phelah) is meant the region of low hills between the maritime
plain and the high central range.
p. 73, 1. 26. ' The great plain ' = the Plain of Esdraelon, not
the Shephelah {see the preceding note).
169
Notes. -^ The Books
Fourth division of the book(yA\\. i-xvi. 24). Administration
of Simon the high priest (B.C. 143-135).
p. 74, 1. 5. Jonathan was supposed to have been already
slain (p. 73, 1. 29).
p. 76, 1. 5. ' Adora ■=Adorain of 2 Chron. xi. 9, now D^ra,
near Hebron.
p. 76, 1. 14. 'Bascama' remains unidentified.
p. 76, 1. 28. 'AH their armour,' 'all manner of arms' (R.V.).
p. 77, 1. 18. Apparently a gold sceptre in the form of a palm
branch.
p. 78, 1. 3. The Seleucid year i70 = B.c. 143-142.
p. 78, 1. 8. For ' Gaza' we must, with R.V., accept the emen-
dation 'Gazara.' This is the reading in Josephus, and is sup-
ported by other passages of I Mace, itself (xiv. 7, xv. 28,
xvi. i).
p. 79, 1. 16. 'John.' Afterwards the high priest and Prince
Hyrcanus.
p. 79, 1. 22. The reference is to Arsaces VI. =Mithridates I.
p. 80, 1. 4. ' Made an entrance,' ' made it an entrance ' (R.V.).
p. 80, 1. 21. 'To fray them,' i.e., to make them afraid. Cp.
Zech. i. 21.
p. 81,1. 10. * The rulers of the Lacedemonians ' = the .£y'/^i7rj-.
p. 81, 1. 17. 'Council of the people,' 'the public records,'
(R.V.).
p. 81, 1. 26. ' After this.' Unless this was a second mission,
ver. 24 does not occupy its proper position chronologically.
p. 82, 1. 9. 'At Saramel,' ' in Asaramel ' (R.V., which inserts
the words at the end of ver. 27). The translator has evidently
retained the original Hebrew word or words, which must have
been either the name of a place or part of Simon's title. Per-
haps the original phrase was wesar-^ain-'cl= ' and prince of the
people of God,' i.e. , ethnarch.
p. S:i, 1. 25. 'That the Jews.' 'That' is to be omitted as a
repetition by mistake from the previous verse.
p. 83, 1. 27. 'For ever, until.' The one expression declares
that these offices were to be hereditary in Simon's family, the
170
of Maccabees ^ Notes.
other, that this was subject to such alteration as God might
enjoin through ' a faithful prophet.' The want of the article
renders a reference to the Messiah scarcely probable. Cp.
iv. 46.
p. 84, 1. 17. 'Governor,' h'i., ethnarch = ' ruler of a nation.'
The title was applied to vassal princes like Simon {c/>. 2 Cor.
xi. 32), and also to the head of the Jewish community in
Alexandria.
p. 84, 1. 24. The allusion is to Antiochus VII., Sidetes (b.c^
138-128).
p. 85, 1. 12. Of these coins, silver and copper, there are
numerous specimens extant. They ' were formed after the
Greek models, but give no name or portrait profile of any high
priest or prince. They are adorned with simple symbols, e.g.,
a cup, a lily branch, a grape-cluster, a palm, etc. For en-
gravings of them, see Madden, Coins of the Jews (1881), p. 67 ff.'
(I Mace, in Catub. Bible for Schools, p. 251).
p. 85, 1. 27. 'Dora!,' now TantCirah, on the coast, north of
Cresarea.
p. 86, 1. II. Probably Lucius Calpurnius Piso, a consul along
with M. Popilius Lcenas, B.C. 139. His name is given in the
Fasti as Cneius, but the reading is doubtful.
p. 86, 1. II. Ptolemy Energetes II. (Physcon), crowned
B.C. 146.
p. 86, 1. 27. The references are probably to Attalus II., King
of Pergamus, and Ariarthes V., King of Cappadocia.
p. 86, 1. 29. ' Sampsames,' probably Samsoun, in Pontus ;
Delus (or Delos), the smallest of the Cyclades ; Myndus, a coast
town in Caria ; Sicyon, in the Peloponnesus ; Samos, an island
in the /Egean ; Halicarnassus, the capital of Caria ; Phaselis, in
Lycia ; Cos, one of the Cyclades ; Side, in Pamphylia ; Aradus,
an island and city on the Phoenician coast ; Gortyna, a city in
Crete ; Cnidus, in Caria ; Cyrene, the capital of Libya.
p. 88, 1. 19. ' Orthosias ' lay a few miles north of Tripolis.
p. 88, 1. 23. ' Cedron,' perhaps Katra, three miles south-west of
Ekron.
171
Notes. ^ The Books
p. 89, 1. 16. Hitherto the Jews had possessed no cavalry.
p. 89, 1. 21. ' He and his people.' The reference is probably
to John.
p. 89, 1. 28. With R.V., omit 'holy.'
p. 90, 1. 6. 'They fled,' i.e., those who did not gain the
fortress.
p. 90, 1. 18. ' Mattathias' was the youngest of Simon's three
sons. Cp. ver. 2. The date is B.C. 135. Sabat (or Sebat)
corresponded nearly to our February. Cp. Zech. i. 7.
p. 90, 1. 22. ' Docus ' (or Dok), now 'Aiti DAk, four miles north-
west of Jericho.
p. 91, 1. 14. 'To make him away,' i.e., to make away with
him.
p. 91, 1. 17. ' In the Chronicles,' lit., 'in the book of days.'
This record has not been preserved.
SECOND MACCABEES
First letter of the Palestinian Jews to their brethren in Egypt
(i. 1-9).
p. 92, 1. 12. Demetrius II., Nicator (B.C. 145-138), is probably
the king alluded to. Cp, I Mace. x. 67, xi. 15-19. If the
w riter meant Demetrius I. , Soter, he has given the wrong date.
The Seleucid year 169= B.C. 144-143.
p. 92, 1. 22. ' Casleu ' (Chislev) — December. This shows that
the Feast of the Dedication is intended. The real Feast of
Tabernacles was in the month Tishri (October). Cp. x. 6.
p. 92, 1. 23. ' In the hundred fourscore and eighth year.'
These words are better included in ver. 9. In this case they
give the date of the preceding letter. The year i88 = B.C. 125-
124. Some MSS. read 148 instead of 188.
172
of Maccabees 5^ Notes.
Second letter of the Palestinian Jews to their brethren in Egypt
(i. lo-ii. i8).
This letter is undated, but was probably written just after
the death of Antiochus IV., Epiphanes (b. c. 164).
P- 93' 1- 3- 'Aristobulus,' the well-known peripatetic philo-
sopher.
P- 93> '• 9- 'The leader ' = Antiochus Epiphanes.
p. 93, 1. II. ' Nanea,' a Syrian goddess = the Phoenician
Astarte.
p. 93, 1. 23. ' The ungodly,' i.e., Antiochus and his troops.
The whole incident is unhistorical, but possibly the writer
erroneously transfers to Epiphanes certain events which befell
Antiochus the Great, who lost his life while attempting to rob
a temple of Belus in Elymais.
p. 93, 1. 28. The writer accepts the legend that the fire
which fell from heaven at the dedication of Solomon's temple
had been preserved. Nehemiah, of course, did not build, but
only restored the temple.
p. 94, I. 8. 'King of Persia," z'.^., Artaxerxes Longimanus
(Neh. ii. 4 fi).
p. 94, 1. 9. Unless with some MSS. we omit ' us,' it must
be regarded as='our countrymen,' or as inadvertently taken
over by the writer from his authorities.
p. 94, 1. 22. A notable example of the post-exilic tendency to
multiply titles for God. Cp. the Prayer of Manasses.
p. 95, 1. I. ' Them that serve.' This is not apposite, as per-
mission had been given by Cyrus and Artaxerxes for Jews to
return to Palestine.
P- 95> 1- 7- ' Psalms ' ; rather, ' the hymns ' (R.V.).
p. 95, 1. 9. • To be poured on.' Possibly ' to be confined by
means of great stones' (Rawlinson). The Greek text is here
obscure.
p. 95, 1. 20. ' Naphthar.' The term is variously spelt by
copyists, but the reference is probably to Naphtha, although no
Hebrew word at all resembling this means ' cleansing.'
p. 95, 1. 22. Possibly lost apocryphal works purporting to
have been kept during the Exile. Cp. ver. 13.
173
Notes. <^ The Books
p. 95, 1. 28. ' When they see,' on seeing.
p. 97, 11. 2-4. ' Books concerning the kings,' i.e., the Books
of Samuel and Kings.
p. 97, 1. 6. ' Lost,' 'scattered' (R.V.).
p. 97, 1. 14. * The sanctuary,' the hallowing = re-sanctification
of the Temple.
Author's preface (ii. 19-32).
p. 97, 1. 23- ' Manifest signs.' The Greek word denotes any
visible appearance of the gods. Such 'signs' are of frequent
occurrence in 2 Mace. Cp. iii. 25 ff., v. 2 f., etc.
p. 97) 1. 25. ' Judaism ' — in contrast to Hellenism : a late usage.
p. 98, 1. 4. 'The infinite number,' ' the confused mass of the
numbers ' (R.V.).
p. 98, 1. II. ' Therefore,' and while.
p. 98, 1. 16. ' Author,' historian.
p. 98, 1. 20. ' Set it out,' burn in and paint (it). The reference
is to the process of decoration by encaustic.
p. 98, 1. 29. ' That it is,' for it is.
First division of the book (^\\\. i-iv. 6). Preliminary history
of the Maccabieaii insurrection (B.C. 176).
P' 99» !• 5- Onias III., son of Simon II., and high priest from
B.C. 198-175,
p. 99, I. 8. Seleucus IV., Philopator (B.C. 187-176).
p. 99, 1. 12. ' Governor.' Apparently = general overseer or
guardian.
p. 99, 1. 13. 'Disorder,' 'the ruling of the market ' (R.V. ,
which follows another reading).
p. 99, 1. 14. Possibly the correct reading is 'Apollonius of
Tarsus.' The text is obscure.
p. 99, 1.17. ' Infinite,' ' untold' (R. v.). The Temple treasury
was used, like our modern banks, for thesafecustody of valuables.
p. lOi, 1. 7. 'Kept in ward' (R.V.), in accordance with
Eastern custom.
p. 101,1. 17. ' Executed,' set about executing.
p. 101, 1. 19. 'The Lord of spirits,' i.e., of angels. This
designation for God is common in other writings of the period,
e.g.. The Booh of Enoch.
i74
of Maccabees ^ Notes.
p. loi, 1. 23. The Persian general ' Artybius used to ride
on a horse that had been taught to rear up against an armed
enemy' (Herod, v. 11).
p. 102, 1, 3. ' Ratfelle found in this scene a subject for his
brush, when he sought to depict for the walls of the Vatican the
triumph of Pope Julius II. over the enemies of the Pontificate'
(Bissell).
p. 102, 1. 9. Omit ' with his weapon,' and read ' manifestly
made to recognise' (R.V.).
p. 103,1. 17. 'The keeping of the treasury,' z.i;., the guarding
of it by angels.
p. 103, 1. 22. Render, as R.V., 'And him that was the
benefactor of the city, and the guardian of his fellow-countr}--
men, and a zealot for the laws, he dared to call a conspirator
against the state.'
p. 103, 1. 22. The visit of Onias to the Syrian court seems to
have been fruitless.
Second division of the book (iv. 7-vii. 42). Farming of the
high priesthood, and persecution of the Jews by Antiochtis
Epiphanes.
p. 104, 1. 8. 'Jason '= a Grecised form of the Hebrew name
Joshua.
p. 104, 1. 10. ' By intercession,' at an interview.
p. 104, 1. 16. 'And to enroll those living in Jerusalem as
citizens of Antioch.' The nature of this privilege is not
known.
p. 104, 1. 21. On the embassy of Eupolemus, see i Mace,
viii. 17 ff.
p. 104, 1. 23. The governments which were according to the
law, ' the lawful modes of life' (R.V.).
p. 104, 1. 28. The * hat of Hermes,' the patron god of
gymnasia.
p. 105, 1. 7. 'After the call to the game of the Discus ' =
quoit-throwing.
p. 105, 1. 20. The amount seems too small (less than ^10),
and some MSS. read 3300,
Notes. ^ The Books
p. 105, I. 20. The Greeks identified the Syrian sun-god,
Melkarth, with their own Hercules.
p. 105, 1. 28. Philometor was crowned king of Egypt in
B.C. 173-
p. 106, 1. 22. Lit., 'nothing was in due order,' 7.^., he paid
nothing.
p. 107, 1. I. Mallos was a coast town in Cilicia.
p. 107, 1. 2. 'They were given,' /.^., their revenues were to
be made over to Antiochis.
p. 107, I. 10. ' Daphne,' a beautiful suburb of Antioch, from
which it was separated only by the Orontes.
p. 107, 1. 17. ' Shut up,' shut off=cut off. Cp. ver. 35.
p. 107, 1. 29. ' His purple.' Cp. I Mace. x. 62 f., which shows
the obverse side of this picture.
p. 108, 1. 7. As R.V., 'spread abroad outside,' i.e., in rural
circles.
p. 108, 1. 26. ' The son of Dorymenes. ' Cp. I Mace. iii.
2 Mace. s\\\. 8, X. 12.
p. 109, 1. 7. ' Followed the matter,' were advocates for.
p. 109, 1. 19. A sacred symbolic number among the Jews,
' forty ' was also a favourite round number among Orientals.
p. 109, 1. 26. In the writings of Josephus and Tacitus similar
heavenly portents foreshadow great events.
p. no, 1. 6. Read, 'That good fortune against kinsmen is
the greatest misfortune.'
p. no, 1. 12. Or, as R.V., following a different reading,
' At the last, therefore, he met with a miserable end, having
been shut up at the court of Aretas.' The Greek text is un-
certain. Aretas means 'ruler,' and was the title of the Naba-
tfean kings.
p. no, 1. 21. ' His kindred.' Cp. I Mace. xii. 21.
p. m, 1. 5. 'In the conflict'; lit., 'by the pasturage of
hands,' R.V. , 'in close combat.'
p. Ill, 1. 13. R.V. omits ' he gave them away.'
p. 112, 1. 9. 'Garizim ' = Gerizim, the mount on which the
Samaritans built their temple.
176
of Maccabees 5^ Notes.
p. 112, 1. II. 'Having a malicious mind,' etc. This clause
should perhaps be connected with ver. 24.
p. 112, 1. 20. ' To the celebration of the Sabbath,' ' to the
spectacle' (R.V.).
p. 112, 1. 22. 'Judas.' The writer makes no mention of
Mattathias.
p. 113, 1. 5. ' As they did desire,' 'as they were ' (marg.).
p. 113, 1. 15. Of such a monthly celebration there is no other
instance on record ; but it might have been enjoined by a king
who could even call himself God on his coins.
p. 113,1. 22. Render, with R.V., 'that they should observe
the same conduct against the Jews.'
p. 113. 1. 26. ' Brought up for having.' Cp. i Mace. i. 61.
p. 114, 1. 4. 'Because they scrupled to defend themselves'
(R.V.). Cp. I Mace. ii. 32 ff.
p. 114, 1. 20. Render, 'After short digression we must return
to the narrative.'
p. 114,1.27. 'The torment'; lit., the tympanum. On this
instrument the victim was stretched out like the head of a drum
previous to being beaten.
p. 115,1. 12. ' Or rather ' = but still more.
p. 115, 1. 22. This passage is probably alluded to in Heb. xi.
35-
p. 116, 1. 21. The presence of Epiphanes must be considered
unhistorical. Punishment by burning alive was practised among
Babylonians, Persians, and even Jews, but usually by means of
heated furnaces. Cp. Dan. iii. 6 ff. ; 2 Sam. xii. 31 ; Jer. xxix. 32.
p. 116, 1. 24. After 'that spake first' R.V. adds 'and to
scalp him.' This is a probable rendering of a participle un-
translated in A. V. The word literally means dealing after the
manner of the Scythians, who according to Herod, (iv. 64)
practised this barbarity.
p. 117, 1. 3. Perhaps, rather, 'hath mercy on us' (Deut.
xxxii. 36, Sept.).
p. 1 17, 1. 15. ' Like a fury,' accursed wretch.
p. 117, 1. 16. 'Life,' reawakening of life. The doctrine of
177
Notes. ^ The Books
future rewards and punishments, as well as that of a bodily
resurrection (ver. ii), finds very clear expression in 2 Mace.
p. 117, 1. 29. ' Ready to die,' about to die. So also in ver. 18.
p. 118,1. 13. ' For ourselves,' for our own sake. QJ. ver. 32.
p. 119, 1. 2. * Of his own mercy,' in mercy. Cp. ver, 29.
p. 119, 1. 6. The word ('phone') has the double sense of
language (ver. 21) and voice.
p. 119, 1. 18. ' Her country language,' the language of her
fathers.
p. 119, 1. 22. ' Endured the troubles,' etc., fostered thee.
p. 120, 1. 6. 'Hebrews.' A revival of the ancient name not
uncommon in this book.
p. 120, 1. 12. * Without a cause,' ' vainly ' (R. V.).
p. 120, 1. 16. The passage is difficult. The Greek literally
means ' short pain of everflowing life.' The pre-Christian use of
the word covenant in this connection is remarkable.
p. 120, 11. 27-28. For ' took' and 'put ' read taking, putting.
p. 121, 1. I. According to 4 Mace. xvii. i, the mother threw
herself into the flames.
Third division of the book (viii.-xv.). Rise and progress
of the Alaccabaaii revolt down to the defeat of Nicanor in
B.C. 161.
p. 122, 1. 6. ' Generation of the Jews,' race of Judcea.
p. 122, 1. 8. As Epiphanes had in B.C. 173 {i.e., seven years
prevnously) paid the tribute imposed after the battle of Magnesia
(Livy, xlii. 6), the nature of this tax is unknown.
p. 122, 1. 14. Taking the talent at ;^240, this would make the
proposed price of each slave only £2, 13s. 4d.
p. 122, 1. 18. Translate, ' Informed those that were with him
of the presence (paroiisia) of the army.' The word was after-
wards used of the Second Advent of Christ.
p. 123, 1. 14. An otherwise unrecorded incident, belonging
perhaps to the war between Antiochus the Great and Molon of
Media. In any case the numbers are exaggerated.
p. 123, 1. 26. Here and in x. 19 ' Joseph '= John (i Mace,
ii. 2, etc.).
178
of Maccabees 5«» Notes.
p. 123, 1. 27. The text is in confusion. R.V. renders, 'And
moreover Eleazar also : then having read aloud the sacred
book ' ; but this does not fit what is said about the fourfold
division of the army (ver. 21).
p. 124, 1. 14. Having appointed a beginning of mercy for them.
p. 125,1. 2. ' Philarches.' R.V. renders ' the phylarch,' z'.e.,
probably the captain of an irregular auxiliary force.
p. 125, 1. 5. Burning alive was apparently not confined to one
side in this struggle.
p. 125, 11. 4-21. Curiously enough, Luther did not translate
vers. 33-36.
p. 125, 1. 9. ' Most ungracious,' thrice accursed, as in xv. 3.
p. 125, 11. 24-29. The mention of Persepolis and Ecbatana is
unhistorical. The temple in question was in Elyniais, and
Epiphanes died at Tabse in Persia.
p. 126, 1. 28. ' In an horselitter,' in a litter, which seems to
have been carried by men (ver. 10).
p. 127, 1. 24. Athens seems to have been the writer's ideal of
a free state.
p. 128, 1. 7. ' Governor,' general. Antiochus would scarcely
have so described himself.
p. 128, 1. 12. Omit *or else,' and render ' I am sick. I lov-
ingly recall your honour,' etc.
p. 128, !. 28. ' Often.' Antiochus is not known to have made
any other expedition into the upper provinces.
p. 129, 1. I. The king's letter to his son is omitted as irrele-
vant to the writer's purpose.
p. 129, 1. 12. 'Went into Egypt.' Here the writer is at
variance with i Mace, and with Josephus.
p. 129, 1. 19. ' Striking stones,' i.e., so as not to use common
fire. The interval was not ' two ' but three years. Cp. i Mace.
i. 54, iv. 52.
p. 130, I. 16. ' One Lysias.' So designated out of contempt
Eupator was but a child, and could not have appointed him
regent,
p. 130,1.25. ' Departed,' withdrawn.
179
Notes. ^ The Books
p. 131, I. I. Render, ' And together with these the Idumseans
also.'
p. 131, 1. II. 'Twenty thousand.' Mere rhetoric as usual.
Cp. ver. 23.
p. 131, 1. 22. 'Seventy thousand drachms '=155- talents =
;^3720.
p. 132, 1. 3. ' Timotheus.' Probably the Syrian general
referred to in I Mace. v. 6-8.
p. 132, 1. 5. ' Asia ' = Upper Asia, particularly Media, which
was famed for its horses.
p. 132, 1. 24. 'Two'; /eV., ' the two.' Owing to the article
and the writer's silence as to the function of the other three, the
passage is difficult. Some would render, ' And leading on the
Jews, who also taking ' ; others, * Of whom two led the Jews,
and (the others) took Maccabreus in their midst.' The text is
uncertain.
p. 133, 1. 4. ' Gazara ' = the Jazer of i Mace. v. 8. ' Chereas,'
or more correctly Choreas, was the brother of Timotheus ( ver. 37 ).
p. 133, 1. 18. ' Killed Timotheus.' This is a mistake, for he
again figures in the narrative (xii. 2, 18 ff. ).
p. 133, 1. 29. ' Gentiles,' Greeks. So also in ver. 24.
p. 134,1. I. ' Chapels of the heathen,' shrines of the nations.
p. 134, 1. 5. 'Fourscore elephants.' Doubtless an exaggera-
tion ; Antiochus the Great had only fifty-four at Magnesia.
p. 134, 1. 6. ' Bethsura.' See on I Mace iv. 29. It was
much further from Jerusalem than ' five ' furlongs. Probably the
text is at fault here.
p. 134, I. 12, It is not the moral character of the angel, but
liis protection, that is pointed to in the epithet 'good.' Q>.
XV. 23.
p. 134, 1. 28. 'Naked,' z-e., without weapons, having left
them behind.
p. 135, 1. 5. Perhaps 'that he would agree.' The Greek text
IS corrupt.
p. 135, 1. 16. ' Subscribed.' This must mean either duly
signed or appended, as at ix. 25.
lEo
of Maccabees ^ *'<**®"-
p. 135, 1. 26. 'Dioscorinthius.' This name (the genitive of
Zeus combined with Korinthios) does not elsewhere occur, and
is probably corrupt. The Syriac renders by the second Tishri
(Marchesvan) = the Macedonian Dius (November).
p. 135, 1. 28. 'Brother' must be taken simply as denoting
blood relationship.
p. 136, 1. 8. Translate, as R.V., ' Choosing therefore that this
nation should be free from disturbance, we determine.'
p. 136, 1. 22. 'Xanthicus.' The sixth Macedonian month,
corresponding to the Jewish Nisan (April).
p. 136, 1. 25. ' Ignorantly,' i.e., inadvertently.
p. 137, 1. I. This letter, the names included, must be regarded
as a pure fabrication.
p. 137, 1. 19. ' Nicanor.' Probably not to be identified with
* the son of Patroclus ' (viii. 9, etc.).
p. 138, 1. 8. 'As if he would return,' 'intending to return'
(R.V.).
p. 138, 1. 21. The words ' of Arabia ' should be omitted.
p. 138, 1. 27. The text is in disorder. Some authorities omit
the word translated 'bridge ' ; R.V. takes it as a proper name,
' he also fell upon a certain city, Gephyrun ' ( = ? Gephrun,
Polybius, V. 70; Ephron, \ Mace. v. 46). Caspis probably =
Casphon of I Mace. v. 36.
p. 139,1. 15. ' Characa ' has not been identified. 'Tubieni' =
Men of Tob ; cp. i Mace. v. 30.
p. 139,1. 18. 'Before iie had despatched,' ' without accom-
plishing ' (R.V. ).
p. 139, 1. 23. The strength of the army of Timotheus is, no
doubt, greatly overstated.
p. 140, 1. I. ' Carnion' = Carnaim of I Mace v. 26.
p. 140, 1. 23. ' Atargatis ' = the Babylonian Ishtar or Nanea,
the Phoenician Astarte, the Greek Venus.
p. 141, 1. 6. Sc3'thopolis = Bethshan (i Mace. v. 52).
p. 141, 1. 20. ' Was still upon,' fastened upon. ' The <r/i/3;«jj
was a sort of cloak or scarf, fastened round the neck and hang-
ing loosely behind the warrior' (Rawlinson).
' O 181
Notes. ■^ The Books
p. 141, 1. 25. Marisa. See note on i Mace. v. 66.
p. 141, 1. 26. For 'Gorgias' most MSS. read Esdris. So
R.V.
p. 142,1.4. 'Odollam' = Adullam, probably in the Shephelah.
Cp. Josh. XV. 35.
p. 142, 1. II. It is not certain whether these ' things' were in
the nature of small images or not ; but the circumstance is sig-
nificant as showing that even those Jews who were fighting for
the Law were not quite free from heathen superstition.
p. 142, 1. 23. There is no reason to suppose that Judas
intended the money to be devoted to making a sin-offering for
the slain (or as the Vulgate reads, ' for the sins of the dead ') ;
this is merely the opinion of the writer (ver. 44).
p. 143, 1. 6. According to i Mace. vi. 20, it was in the year
150 = 6. c 163-162.
p. 143, 1. 10. Read, ' a Greek force of footmen,' etc.
p. 143, 1. 20. 'Of all the mischief.' This might have been
more fairly said of Jason.
p. 143, 1. 21. ' Berea,' Beroea = the modern Aleppo.
p. 143, 1. 24. Translate, ' It had a rotatory instrument which
on every side shook off (the victim) into the ashes.'
p. 144, 1. 3. With more probability Josephus {Ant. xii. 9, 7)
places the execution of Menelaus after the conclusion of peace.
p. 144, 1. 5. Read, 'To show the Jews the worst that had
been perpetrated.'
p. 145, 1. 2. R.V. renders, 'brought down the chiefest ele-
phant with him that was in the tower upon him.' There would
thus be a very pointed reference to the Eleazar incident re-
corded in I Mace. vi. 43 ff.
p. 145, 1. 19. The statement that Lysias * was overcome ' is
directly opposed to i Mace. vi. 47.
p. 145, 1. 21. 'Confounded,' was confounded.
p. 145, 1. 25. The word here rendered 'principal' is better
taken as a proper name, ' made Hegemonides governor.'
p. 145, 1. 26. Gerrhenians = inhabitants, either of Gerrha, on
the Egyptian frontier, or of Gerar, south-west of Gaza.
of Maccabees 5^ Notes.
p. 145, 1. 27. For 'the covenants' read ' the terms.'
p. 146, 1. 5. Three years, ?.<?., one whole year and part of
two others.
p. 146, 1. 7. Tripolis lay to the north of Sidon, and was so
named because it was founded by colonists from the three cities
of Tyre, Sidon and Aradus.
p. 146, 1. 7. According to i Mace. vii. i, 'with a few men.'
p. 146, 1. 12. By 'the times of the (religious) mingling' is
meant the period when Onias was ousted from the high-
priesthood, and the Hellenisers, Jason and Menelaus, were
installed in the office. R.V. 'no mingling' is not an improve-
ment here. The reference in ver. 38 to ' the times when they
mingled not themselves with the Gentiles ' derives its point
from the contrast to the previously mentioned times of
mingling.
p. 146, 1. 18. ' Held his peace ' — from diplomatic motives.
p. 147, 1. 4. ' Seeing thou knowest,' having acquainted thy-
self with.
p. 147, 1. 27. ' Dessau ' is otherwise unknown. Ewald would
identify it with Adasa (i Mace. vii. 40).
p. 147, 1. 29. 'Silence of his enemies.' Perhaps, as R.V.,
'consternation caused by his enemies.'
p. 148, 1. 12. ' The day came,' he (Judas) came.
p. 148, 1. 20. Nicanor's affection for Judas is incredible. Cp.
I Mace. vii. 30.
p. 148, 1. 28. 'The king's successor,' his successor, i.e., suc-
cessor to Alcimus himself.
p. 149, 1. 22. This is strange language to put into the lips of
a man who spoke as represented in viii. 36.
p. 149, 1. 29. ' Their nation,' our nation.
p. 150, 1. 6. Suicide of Razis (xiii. 37-46). The writer's ap-
proval of this act, so opposed to the whole letter and spirit of
Scripture, is a strong argument against the canonicity of the
book. As for the story itself, it is doubtless culled from the Jew-
ish folk-lore of the period, and at most a highly-coloured version
of some incident of the struggle with the Syrians. 'No true
183
Note.. ^ The Books
martyr for religious truth acts in this way, but only a conceited
and crazy hero of the stage' (Grimm).
p. 151, 1. II. According to I Mace. vii. 39, Judas was at
Bethhoron, which once belonged to Samaria (Neh. ii. 10),
although in B.C. 161 it is called a city of Judaea (i Mace. ix. 50).
It is curious that the epitomiser should have overlooked the
fact that for five years the Jews had been prepared to fight upon
the Sabbath if necessary.
p. 151, 1. 27. ' Determined,' had determined.
p. 152, 1. 6. ' And comforting them.' Probably the idea in-
tended to be conveyed is that before the battle Judas read
portions from the Bible ('the Law and the Prophets').
p. 152, 1. 12. ' Breach of oaths. ' Cp. v. 25 f., xii. 4, xiv.
28.
p. 152, 1. 16. 'As if it had been so indeed,' i.e., a sort of
waking vision. R.V. omits the clause. There could be no
dubiety as to Judas having had a dream ; what the writer seeks
to convey is that it was a vision from God.
p. 152, 1. 26. 'The lover of the brethren.' Jeremiah seems
to have been as much revered by the Jews after his death as he
was unheeded by them during his lifetime. This passage is of
special interest in connection with the controversy about prayers
for the dead.
p. 153, 1. 4. Render, 'The very beautiful words of Judas.'
p. 153, 1. 12. ' In least account,' in less account.
p. 153, 1. 15. 'Took not the least care,' had no little anxiety.
p. 153, 1. 17. 'Trial,' decision.
p. 153,1. 22. ' Beasts ' = elephants. Instead of 'in wings'
read 'on the wings.'
p. 154,1. 12. 'The appearance,' i.e., the miraculous inter-
position of God.
p. 154, 1. 15. 'They knew that Nicanor lay dead'; rather,
'they discovered Nicanor lying dead.'
p. 155, 1. 2. ' Unto the fowls,' to the birds. The gate of the
Temple where the arm and hand were hung up was afterwards
known as ' the gale of Nicanor.'
184
of Maccabees ^ Notes.
p. 155, 1. 6. In reality the Acra was not captured until
nineteen years afterwards.
p. 155, I. 12. * Mardocheus' day,' the day of Mordecai (Esther
ix. 21).
p. 155,1. 13. Translate, 'It having gone thus, then, with
Nicanor, and the city having from those times been held by
the Hebrews, I also will here conclude the narrative.'
p. 155, 1. 15. The writer does not claim to be inspired.
i8s
Geneological Table.
^ Maccabees
Table showing the Genealogy and Reigns of the
Syrian Kings (the Seleucidcs) during the Second
Century B.C.
Antiochus III. THE Great (223-187).
Seleucus IV. Philopator Antiochus IV. Epiphanes
(187-176). (175-164).
Demetrius I. Soter Antiochus V. Eupator
(162-150). (164-162).
Demetrius II. Nicator
(145-138 and 128-125 or
124?)
I
Antiochus VIII. Grypos
(125 or 124-113).
I
Antiochus VII. Sidetes
(138-128).
I
Antiochus IX. Cyzicenos
("3-95)-
During this period there were many disputes as to the succession.
The pretender, Alexander Balas, held the throne from B.C. 150 to
145. In 145-144 Tryphon, one of Alexander's generals, had
Alexander's infant son, Antiochus VI., crowned as king, but after
a time he made away with his ward, and himself usurped the
sovereignty, Demetrius II. being a prisoner in the hands of the
Parthians. But in b.c 139 he had to retreat before Antiochus VII.,
Sidetes, younger brother of Demetrius II.
>86
CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF
LEADING EVENTS
B.C.
336-323. Reign of Alexander the Great.
323-176. Reigns of the Diadochoi or successors, down to and
including Seleucus IV., Philopator.
176. Attempt of Heliodorus to rob the Temple.
175. Accession of Antiochus IV., Epiphanes.
171-168. Expeditions of Antiochus against Egypt.
168. Massacre of the Jews and desecration of the Temple.
167. Rise of the Maccabasan revolt.
166. Death of Mattathias.
Defeat of the Syrian generals Apollonius, Seron,
Nicanor and Gorgias by Judas Maccabaeus.
165. Defeat of Lysias at Bethzur.
Re-dedication of the Temple.
164. Death of Antiochus IV., Epiphanes.
164-163. Relief of Jews in Galilee and Gilead.
163. Defeat of Judas and death of Eleazar at Bathzacharias.
162. Death of Antiochus V., Eupator, and accession of
Demetrius I., Soter.
c. 161. Battle of Capharsalama.
161. Defeat of Nicanor at Adasa.
Embassy of Judas to Rome.
Death of Judas on the field of Eleasa.
160. Death of Alcimus, the high priest.
158. Expedition of Bacchides against Jonathan.
c. 156. Treaty of peace between Jews and Syrians.
153. Alexander Balas usurps the Syrian throne,
Jonathan officiates as high priest.
187
Chronologfical Table. ^^ MaCCabees
152. Struggle for the mastery between Balas and Demet-
rius I.
151. Death of Demetrius I.
150. Marriage of Alexander Balas to Cleopatra at Ptolemais.
148-147. Invasion of Syria by Demetrius II.
147. Victory of Jonathan over Apollonius.
145. Accession of Demetrius II.
Jonathan aids Demetrius II. against Tryphon.
c. 144. Generals of Demetrius II. defeated by Jonathan.
143. Jonathan slain by Tryphon at Bascama.
Simon succeeds to the leadership.
143-142. Concession of independence to Judaea.
142. Simon's capture of Gazara and the Acra.
141. Simon becomes the founder of the Ilasmonaean dynasty.
139-138. Civil war between Antiochus VII., Sidetes, and Try-
phon.
Defeat of Cendebaeus by Simon's sons, Judas and John
Hyrcanus.
135. Murder of Simon and two of &is sons by Ptolemy, his
son-in-law.
Escape of John Hyrcanus.
Note. — To translate any given year of the Seleucid era into its
corresponding year B.C., it is only necessary to note that the era
of the Syrian Greeks began with the accession of Seleucus I.,
Nicator, on the ist October B.C. 312. Thus the year with which
theMaccab^an history begins, viz., 137 of the Seleucid era = B.C.
175, and that with which it closes, viz., 177 of the Seleucid era
= B.c. 135.
Colston a' Coy., Limited, Printers., Edinburgh.
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